National LISC

Local Initiatives Support Corporation is a 501(c)(3) founded in 1979 by the Ford Foundation to provide grants, loans and technical support to advance community development. Since then, LISC has become a leading nonprofit organization in community development, active in 30 cities and a rural program. It provides expertise, technical resources, financial resources and a professional network to neighborhood organizations working to improve their communities comprehensively.

LISC operates two key affiliates, the National Equity Fund (NEF) and the New Markets Support Company (NMSC). NEF syndicates Low Income Housing Tax Credits, while NMSC is a syndicator of New Market Tax Credits as well as a provider of small business financing products. LISC National had total revenues of $150 million (2011) and has earned a four-star rating by Charity Navigator. It is certified as a Community Development Financial Institution by the U.S. Department of Treasury. 

The national organization provides back-office support to its local programs, including administration of grants, loans and contracts, human resources, accounting, legal services and information technology.