Who We Are
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) came to Richmond in 1990. LISC is a national organization with a community focus. Our program staff are based in every city and many of the rural areas where LISC-supported community development takes shape. In collaboration with local community development groups, LISC staff help identify priorities and challenges, to deliver the most appropriate support to meet local needs.
LISC was created in 1980 by the Ford Foundation and six major corporate funders. LISC is the nation’s largest nonprofit intermediary in the community development and affordable housing arena. LISC is committed to building Sustainable Communities that offer the positive environments needed to ensure that all residents of varied income levels are provided the opportunities and tools to build assets, to participate in the benefits inuring to their communities, and to become part of the mainstream economy. In cities and towns across America, LISC has supported the development of 230,000 affordable homes and apartments, 146 child care facilities, 95 schools and 187 playgrounds serving 427,000 children. LISC’s investment of $8.6 billion has leveraged community investments totaling $25.3 billion.
LISC has been active in Virginia since 1990, primarily serving central Virginia. By providing grants, working capital, development funds, and technical support to non-profit developers and localities, Virginia LISC has created opportunities for dozens of neighborhoods to receive strategic real estate investments, providing nearly 3,000 families with access to better housing, childcare, and employment choices. Through the generosity of both private and public-sector supporters, LISC and its partners have invested over $250 million in the central Virginia region. To date, LISC has stimulated the creation of 2,000 affordable housing units, two childcare centers and over 112,000 square feet of commercial space in lower-income neighborhoods throughout Central Virginia.