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Community development nonprofit providing grants, loans, and technical assistance to build opportunity in under-resourced communities since 1979.
Data compiled from public sources
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) is a national nonprofit organization founded in 1979 that invests in community development across America. Operating through local offices and a network of affiliates, LISC serves as both a financial institution and community connector, focusing on under-resourced areas that lack access to traditional capital and support services.
LISC offers multiple forms of financial assistance including grants, loans, and equity investments tailored to community needs. Their lending products emphasize flexibility and accessibility for borrowers who face barriers in traditional lending markets. Beyond direct lending, LISC provides technical know-how, partnership facilitation, and data-driven guidance across numerous community sectors including affordable housing, small business, economic development, sustainability, education, health, and digital opportunity.
LISC distinguishes itself through its comprehensive, community-centered approach and substantial scale of impact. Since 1979, the organization has deployed $38 billion in direct investment generating $102 billion in total development. They operate multiple investment vehicles and affiliates (LISC Fund Management, NEF, Broadstreet) to bridge gaps between investors and community projects. Their focus on serving as both an investor and connector—rather than a purely commercial lender—positions them as a mission-driven intermediary committed to systems change and long-term community resilience.
As a nonprofit organization, LISC differs fundamentally from for-profit lenders. However, prospective borrowers should note that accessing LISC capital typically requires partnership through local community organizations or intermediaries rather than direct individual applications. Their flexible lending products are designed for under-resourced borrowers, but the organization prioritizes community-level projects and organizational borrowers rather than serving individual consumers seeking personal loans.
This is state-level context for Free Help consumers in New York, NY. It does not confirm that Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) or this specific location is licensed.
State regulator
New York Department of Financial Services
Consumer protection
Source: CreditDoc state-law summary and listed public regulator resources. Verify licensing directly with the listed state regulator before relying on a provider.
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) offers 12 services including Business loans and small business financing through flexible lending products, Grants for community development initiatives, Equity investments in under-resourced community projects, Technical assistance and capacity building for borrowing organizations, Affordable housing financing and development, and 7 more.
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) has profile signals associated with Community organizations and nonprofits seeking flexible capital for local economic development projects, Small businesses in under-resourced areas unable to access traditional bank financing, Communities seeking comprehensive development support beyond capital (technical assistance, partnership networks).
Key strengths: Substantial capital deployment of $7 billion in loans since 1979, demonstrating long-term commitment and scale; Flexible lending products specifically designed for under-resourced borrowers who face barriers in traditional markets; Comprehensive support beyond lending: technical assistance, partnership facilitation, and data-driven community guidance. Areas to consider: Not a direct consumer lender—individuals cannot typically apply directly; access requires community organization partnerships; Website lacks specific APR, term length, or borrowing limits information for prospective borrowers.
In the Free Help category, comparable providers include Approved Credit Consulting, Center for NYC Neighborhoods, New Economy Project. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.
CreditDoc Profile Note
LISC is profile signals for community organizations, nonprofits, and small businesses in under-resourced areas seeking flexible capital and comprehensive development support—not for individual consumers seeking personal loans. The primary caveat is that LISC operates as a community development intermediary, not a direct-to-consumer lender; accessing their lending products requires working through local partners and community organizations rather than applying as an individual.
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Profile signals: Individuals who have decided to file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy and need to satisfy the legal pre-filing counseling requirement, Married couples filing jointly seeking affordable, flexible online bankruptcy education
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