Capacity Building

One of LISC’s goals is to build the capacity of local community development organizations.

In Duluth, this involves providing technical assistance and leveraging funding to support local partners working on affordable housing development and preservation throughout Greater Duluth, increasing people's income and assets, access to education and healthy lifestyles, and economic development and entrepreneurship.

LISC leverages its network of experts to offer national models and resources to help local nonprofits launch initiatives and grow organizationally. Our assistance includes leveraging funding opportunities, providing support to navigate complex housing regulations, and helping develop comprehensive strategies. LISC awards capacity building grants to support general operating expenses, strategic planning, board and staff training, and internships.

Duluth LISC provides the following examples of technical assistance and capacity building support:

Leadership training for neighborhood residents and staff members at community development corporations (CDCs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) to build organizational capacity. LISC sponsors workshops and training on current issues impacting community development to ensure the sustainability of the nonprofit community development sector.
Project-related technical assistance for affordable housing, community and child care facilities, community schools, commercial centers and youth football fields to impact the physical environment. From early site selection to intense negotiations with city government, CDCs look to Duluth LISC as an essential partner and intermediary that advocates on behalf of nonprofit developers.
Programmatic technical assistance through the program development process, community engagement, and strategy development.
Organizational technical assistance, including direct consulting, referrals to other organizations when appropriate, and targeted grantor engagement of consultants for specific projects.