Local Initiatives Support Corporation
/OVERVIEW: The Local Initiatives Support Corporation addresses affordable housing, education, economic development, financial stability, health, safe neighborhoods, community leadership and policy and research in the Tri-State area and across America.
FUNDING AREAS: Affordable housing, education, economic development, financial stability, health, safe neighborhoods, community leadership, policy and research
IP TAKE: This is a national funder, but one with strong ties to New York City. Contact the nearest local office to learn more about funding opportunities.
PROFILE: The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) is an organization headquartered in New York City that supports economic opportunity projects to revitalize communities. The Ford Foundation launched LISC in 1979 to bridge the gap between public and private resources and communities in need of those resources. Today, the organization aims to forge “resilient and inclusive communities of opportunity across America – great places to live, work, visit, do business and raise families.” Grantmaking includes affordable housing, education, economic development, financial stability, health, safe neighborhoods, community leadership, and policy and research.
LISC invests in overlapping program areas that reach all corners of community life. The cornerstone of its mission is affordable housing, so much of the funder’s support backs this cause. Education grants are focused on early learning, high-quality charter schools, after-school activities, and continuing education opportunities. Economic development grants go toward entrepreneurship and diversity programs. The funder also supports financial stability through programs that help residents build credit and savings. Health grants fund primary care, access to healthy food, and safe places to exercise. Crime reduction is important to this funder, and is supported through safe neighborhood grants. Finally, LISC supports the community leadership initiatives of local organizations and public policy advocacy at all levels of government.
Funding amounts vary greatly depending on whether it comes in the form of grants, loans or equity. Since LISC’s inception, it has funded equity most heavily. This foundation typically invests over $1.2 billion in grants, equity, and loans each year. Learn more about this funder’s giving in its annual reports and Form 990s. LISC operates in 32 cities and hundreds of rural communities across the U.S. However, it typically gives significantly in New York City and the Greater Tri-State Area. In addition to its New York headquarters, local offices are located in Hartford, Connecticut, Newark, New Jersey, and Buffalo, New York. Therefore, grantmaking is centered on these local regions, as well. The funder provides grants for organizational development, strategic planning, projects, and trainings.
Grants come from LISC’s local offices in each of its focus locations. LISC does not typically fund unsolicited requests. Direct general questions to the LISC staff in New York City at 212-455-9800.
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