One of LISC's central principles is that community development corporations are critical institutions for neighborhood preservation and renewal. It is not just the individual housing development or retail development project that builds a community, but also the capacity of the community developer to address a wide range of community issues and to play a multitude of roles (developer, convener, mediator, advocate, broker) that enable a comprehensive approach to the revitalization of a community.

LISC strengthens nonprofit community development organizations, not only by supporting the projects that they undertake, but also by building the capacity of these organizations to take on these projects and building the ability of these organizations and their neighborhood allies to create effective, sustainable strategies for change.

Bay Area LISC has been a leader in developing strategies and programs for community development corporations for more than two decades. We engage in a wide array of programs and services to the nonprofit community development sector. While we offer a staple of ongoing programs, some of our work changes from year to year to respond to the needs of the community development field.

"LISC's multi-level approach makes it a unique resource for local community development corporations and a key partner for us in strengthening the ability of our grantees to make a difference in the lives of low-income families."

—Ira Hirschfield,
President, Evelyn & Walter Haas, Jr. Fund