Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)

Overview

The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) is headquartered in New York City[1] and operates as a national community development intermediary and certified CDFI[3]. Founded by the Ford Foundation in 1979[4], LISC provides capital and technical assistance to local groups across the United States to support community development in housing, economic development, education, and related areas[2]. The organization maintains staff and expertise across 34 offices, including a rural program serving hundreds of communities[7]. Since its founding, LISC reports $38 billion invested, comprising $1.8 billion in grants, $7 billion in loans, and $29 billion in equity, which has generated $102 billion in total development[6]. These investments have produced 552,284 affordable homes and apartments and 88 million square feet of commercial retail and community space[5]. LISC's program areas include housing, digital opportunity, economic development, education and child care, health, income and wealth building, safety and justice, small business, sports and youth development, and sustainability[9]. The organization's 2025-2027 Strategic Plan commits it to invest over $5 billion over the next three years[10].

The company's own site places it in New York: LISC is headquartered in New York City. The organization's website lists 'Local Offices' and references operations across America, but LISC . [1]

LISC was conceived by the Ford Foundation in 1979. [4]

LISC's headquarters is at 28 Liberty Street, Floor 34, New York, NY 10005, phone 212.455.9800. [8]

LISC's program areas include Housing, Digital Opportunity, Economic Development, Education & Child Care, Health, Income & Wealth Building, Safety & Justice, Small Business, Sports & Youth Development and Sustainability. [9]

Growth & traction

LISC reports $38 billion invested since 1979, which has produced 552,284 affordable homes and apartments and 88 million square feet of commercial retail and community space. [5]

LISC states it has "staff, expertise and relationships in 34 offices, including a wide-ranging rural program that invests in and supports partners across hundreds of communities across the country". [7]

Funding history

LISC breaks its $38 billion of investment into $1.8 billion in grants, $7 billion in loans and $29 billion in equity, leading to $102 billion in total development. [6]