Program Areas

Every neighborhood is a unique tapestry—a complex system of interconnected, moving parts. That is precisely why no single solution can ever hope to address all of a struggling neighborhood’s needs. Disinvested places must be revived on multiple fronts. LISC helps residents and local organizations do just that.

We invest in overlapping program areas that reach into every corner of community life. Our approach is comprehensive, effective and—most important—rooted in what neighbors want for themselves, their families and the places they call home.

Affordable Housing

We support the creation of quality, affordable housing as a basic requisite of well-being—for individuals and communities. It’s the cornerstone of our mission.

Child Care & Early Learning

Equitable access to quality child care and early learning is essential to the wellbeing and economic stability of families, communities and the nation.

Economic Development

Neighborhoods flourish when diverse residents have access to living wage careers, financial opportunities and control over their future. We invest in programs that support financial success, sustain small businesses, diversify the local retail mix and promote community-led systems change.

Education

Educational opportunity and choice are indispensable to progress and well-being for people and communities. That's why LISC invests in early childhood learning facilities, high quality charter school facilities and robust after-school and continuing education opportunities.

Health

Because zip code, even more than genetic code, determines a person’s physical health, our health programming tackles many facets of neighborhood life, working to improve access to healthy food, primary health care and safe places to exercise.

Income & Wealth Building

A job alone is not enough. Our income and wealth building programs help people build credit and savings, hone job skills and balance the household budget, so a paycheck can build towards long-term goals.

Safety & Justice

Safety is a prerequisite for a vibrant neighborhood. LISC promotes partnerships and renewal efforts that reduce crime and build community at the same time.

Small Business

At LISC, we focus on bolstering entrepreneurs whose lack of access to capital and services reflects deep, longstanding structural inequities—businesses owned and operated by people of color, women, immigrants, and veterans, and those located in low-wealth, underserved places.

Sports & Recreation

Safe, well-maintained places to gather, exercise and play are fundamental to the development and well-being of the members of any community—especially children.