Mission & Values

As an intermediary and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), we support community-based organizations (CBOs) and residents to transform disinvested neighborhoods.

Mission

Together with residents and partners, we help forge resilient and inclusive communities of opportunity across America–great places to live, work, visit, do business and raise families.

In Philadelphia

Across the city and region, decades of intentional disinvestment and systematic barriers have created inequitable futures for our neighbors. For over 40 years, LISC has worked with partners to reduce and prevent inequities across systems that impact well-being. Our approach is comprehensive, effective and—most importantly—rooted in what neighbors want for themselves, their families and the places they call home.

Our Values

Just as intention created oppressive conditions for communities of color, it takes intention to create conditions for human flourishing. We believe community development is a pathway to achieve justice and expanded opportunities for communities experiencing generations of disinvestment. Strong communities are fundamental to ensuring that individuals are living and thriving.

We serve as a key partner in the following roles:

Investor: Direct and leverage strategic flow of capital to people and communities with underdeveloped assets
Capacity builder: Developing and strengthening the skills, abilities, processes and resources that organizations and communities need to survive, adapt, and thrive in a fast-changing world.
Advisor: Serve as trusted partner to residents, organizations and investors seeking to deliver solutions in their communities
Convener: Bringing together philanthropy, government, nonprofit and community stakeholders to foster on-the-ground collaboration and impact.
Systems innovator: Engage local leaders and residents to turn innovative ideas into practice, share methodologies across markets, and engage in the national, state and local policy arenas.