HOW LISC CHANNELS FUNDS TO LOCAL LEVEL

Based in New York, the Local Initiative Support Commission (LISC) provides grants and loans to community-development corporations (CDCs), as well as equity for affordable housing in 34 cities.

LISC funds come from more than 1,000 corporations, foundations, individuals, and public agencies. When a CDC launches a new program, the national LISC office matches the dollars that are raised locally, then works closely with the area CDC which in turn recommend projects to LISC's national board of directors. Each area is served by a small LISC staff and a local advisory committee.