https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/en-usMon, 08 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/new-report-lisc-outlines-five-systemic-gaps-driving-national-affordable-housing-shortage/A new report from LISC’s National Housing Strategic Initiatives team examines the financial pressures threatening affordable housing nationwide. The State of Affordable Housing: Saving Affordable Housing Assets highlights how supply constraints, inflation, rising operating expenses, and escalating insurance costs are making it increasingly difficult for developers to preserve and expand affordable housing. As noted by Valerie White, Head of LISC’s National Housing Strategic Initiatives, “this report shows that to find meaningful and lasting solutions, the industry must be nimbler. We are committed to partnering with CDFIs, financing partners, property developers, and policymakers to develop more innovative solutions that have an enduring and meaningful impact.”Mon, 08 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/new-report-lisc-outlines-five-systemic-gaps-driving-national-affordable-housing-shortage/https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/uber-and-lisc-open-new-grant-application-through-health-access-fund-bridge-transportation-gaps-low-income-patients/Uber and LISC expanded their joint Health Access Fund today by announcing up to $750,000 in new grants to help nonprofit healthcare providers connect economically vulnerable people to transportation for vital health services. The Fund supports free rides through Uber Health, Uber’s HIPAA-enabled dashboard and API solution, so patients can reach their critical healthcare appointments. Riders don’t need to have smartphones or the Uber app to benefit. Funded by Uber and managed by LISC, the Fund invites nonprofit healthcare providers in nine markets to apply for this new round of funding.Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/uber-and-lisc-open-new-grant-application-through-health-access-fund-bridge-transportation-gaps-low-income-patients/https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/financial-coaching-programs-community-financial-institutions-building-opportunity-together/Financial coaching can be a powerful tool to help people reduce debt, build credit and grow their savings, but financial institutions and community financial health programs can generate even greater impact by creating new financial products designed to meet community needs. Find out how, LISC and TransUnion are creating stronger local financial ecosystems and specially designed financial products.Wed, 20 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/financial-coaching-programs-community-financial-institutions-building-opportunity-together/https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/proven-solutions-greater-results-leveraging-credit-enhancement-educational-and-community-impact/In recognition of National Charter Schools Week, LISC’s Nicole Barcliff highlights how the federal Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities Program (CE) expands high-quality learning opportunities, strengthens neighborhoods, and could deliver even greater impact through more flexible use of federal credit enhancement funds. As Nicole notes, CDFIs like LISC are particularly effective stewards of this model and “at a time of rising construction costs and tighter credit markets, federal support for CE is more important than ever.”Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/proven-solutions-greater-results-leveraging-credit-enhancement-educational-and-community-impact/https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/liscs-senior-director-of-federal-policy-on-the-bill-that-could-preserve-affordable-rural-rental-housing/Hundreds of thousands of affordable homes are at risk of disappearing across rural America. In a recent blog post for Shelterforce, LISC’s Mark Kudlowitz examines the threat to USDA's Section 515 rural rental program, which is frequently the only rent-restricted housing available in rural communities. Kudlowitz explains how the Rural Housing Service Reform Act (HR 4957) would modernize USDA's multifamily preservation authorities, decouple project-based rental assistance from long-term mortgages, and better align rural rental assistance with HUD programs, offering a practical path forward for protecting some of the country’s most vulnerable renters.Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/liscs-senior-director-of-federal-policy-on-the-bill-that-could-preserve-affordable-rural-rental-housing/https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/lisc-workday-and-anthropic-launch-ai-focused-solopreneurship-accelerator-program/Enterprise AI platform Workday, Inc., in partnership with AI company Anthropic and LISC, launched the Workday Foundation Solopreneurship Accelerator Program, a new AI-focused initiative designed to support the next generation of small businesses. The accelerator will support 15 solopreneurs across the United States focused on building and scaling small businesses with a $10,000 grant for business expenses, access to Anthropic’s language learning model Claude, and a LISC AI-first entrepreneurship curriculum, plus wraparound coaching through LISC’s network of Business Development Organizations.Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/lisc-workday-and-anthropic-launch-ai-focused-solopreneurship-accelerator-program/https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/how-lisc-and-project-guardian-are-using-ai-supercharge-protections-homeowners/This story from LISC’s Community Research & Impact team and Project Guardian™ explores how the two organizations are leveraging artificial intelligence to strengthen protections for homeowners and improve housing stability. By combining community-based expertise with advanced data tools, the partnership helps identify risks such as foreclosure vulnerability and predatory lending earlier and more effectively. LISC ensures the approach remains grounded in supporting—not replacing—local practitioners and trusted community partners. Together, the effort demonstrates how responsible innovation can expand opportunity and prevent housing crises before they escalate.Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/how-lisc-and-project-guardian-are-using-ai-supercharge-protections-homeowners/https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/lisc-and-citizens-partner-prepare-communities-digital-work-skills/With funding from Citizens, six workforce development and financial coaching partners across four states will expand their programming to help local residents build foundational digital skills, utilize AI in their jobs, and prepare for future careers. Through this grant, LISC’s Bridges to Career Opportunities program and digital skilling and access initiatives will continue to help employees stay competitive in the evolving job market.Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/lisc-and-citizens-partner-prepare-communities-digital-work-skills/https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/1m-lisc-steam-and-skilled-trades-programming-highlighted-gm-skilled-trades-day-announcement/Support from General Motors will expand LISC’s Bridges to Career Opportunities programs to provide job seekers with career advancement training and coaching to thrive in the trades industry. The partnership is part of a larger effort to increase access to quality jobs, modernize skilled trades careers for AI, and strengthen the talent pipeline across communities.Wed, 06 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/1m-lisc-steam-and-skilled-trades-programming-highlighted-gm-skilled-trades-day-announcement/https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/opening-new-doors-financial-coaching-during-financial-capability-month/Financial coaching is a proven approach to help individuals build economic resilience and pursue long-term goals. The Improving Access to Financial Coaching Act (H.R. 8373), introduced during Financial Capability Month (April 2026), would support effective financial coaching programs serving low-income communities while strengthening and expanding the growing financial coaching industry.Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/opening-new-doors-financial-coaching-during-financial-capability-month/https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/lisc-native-american-development-corporation-launch-montanas-first-financial-opportunity-center-to-strengthen-economic-mobility-fuel-local-growth/With funding from Wells Fargo Foundation, LISC is partnering with a local community partner to launch a new Financial Opportunity Center® program in Billings, Montana. Program staff will offer integrated career, financial, and income support services to support economic mobility and wealth-building for residents.Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/lisc-native-american-development-corporation-launch-montanas-first-financial-opportunity-center-to-strengthen-economic-mobility-fuel-local-growth/https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/lisc-senior-director-federal-policy-nalhfa-affordable-housing-podcast/LISC Senior Director of Federal Policy, Mark Kudlowitz, recently sat down with The National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies (NALHFA) Podcast for a discussion on the latest federal housing policy updates and how national nonprofit housing intermediaries are working with local housing finance agencies to increase affordable housing options nationally.Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/lisc-senior-director-federal-policy-nalhfa-affordable-housing-podcast/https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/leading-with-purpose-how-lisc-detroits-executive-director-is-driving-community-centered-development/In a profile with Rolling Out, LISC Detroit Executive Director, Rob Lockett, reflects on the values and experiences that have shaped his leadership and the organization’s impact across the city. Grounded in a commitment to service, Lockett describes how LISC Detroit has deployed more than $455 million in direct investment, leveraging more than $1.5 billion to support housing, small business growth, and workforce development. The piece highlights LISC’s approach to community development as a collaborative, long-term effort that centers residents and partners in designing solutions. It also underscores the organization’s role in navigating complex policy and economic challenges while advancing opportunities for growth.Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/leading-with-purpose-how-lisc-detroits-executive-director-is-driving-community-centered-development/https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/workforce-financial-coaching-helps-high-school-grad-kickstart-career/Achieving your dreams alone can be hard, but with the support from Financial and Career Coaches at a local Financial Opportunity Center® program community members have access to success. Find out how Chicago high school graduate, Anahi Lopez, was able to start her career in healthcare, open her first savings account, and save for a new car and her retirement.Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/workforce-financial-coaching-helps-high-school-grad-kickstart-career/https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/communities-reclaim-space-for-play-possibility-with-support-from-lisc-and-dicks-sporting-goods-foundation/Communities thrive when we invest in the athletic spaces. That’s why the DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation has deployed nearly $4 million to build or renovate 46 sports facilities in 32 cities. Grants ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 are helping communities meet a wide range of renovation needs in multi-use sports facilities while LISC provides hands-on technical assistance to help projects move from vision to reality. See how the program is making real impact in neighborhoods across the country.Fri, 03 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/communities-reclaim-space-for-play-possibility-with-support-from-lisc-and-dicks-sporting-goods-foundation/https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/lisc-ceo-featured-pix11s-monica-makes-it-happen/LISC CEO, Michael Pugh, recently sat down with PIX11's Monica Morales for a discussion on his unique and purposeful journey to a career in community development and on the ways that LISC is helping communities in New York City and across the country thrive.Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/lisc-ceo-featured-pix11s-monica-makes-it-happen/https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/liscs-faith-based-housing-efforts-featured-in-the-guardian/A recent article in The Guardian reports on the growing “Yes in God’s Backyard” (YIGBY) movement, in which churches across the U.S. are turning underutilized land into affordable housing to help address the housing crisis. The article highlights how LISC is working with faith-based institutions that can lower development costs by contributing land, a point emphasized by LISC’s head of housing, Valerie White. “Affordable housing project financing is very complex and extremely expensive. If you already have the space and are simply building a structure on top of it, it changes the cost dramatically,” White noted.Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/liscs-faith-based-housing-efforts-featured-in-the-guardian/https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/kevin-harts-gran-coramino-and-lisc-launch-new-round-of-grants-for-small-businesses-in-5-cities/The Coramino Fund returns for a fourth round! LISC is now accepting applications through April 6, 2026 for our small business grant program with Gran Coramino® Tequila, co-founded by comedian and entrepreneur Kevin Hart and 11th-generation tequila maker Juan Domingo Beckmann. Eligible entrepreneurs in Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, and Los Angeles can apply $10,000 grants to fuel small business growth.Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/kevin-harts-gran-coramino-and-lisc-launch-new-round-of-grants-for-small-businesses-in-5-cities/https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/2025-year-review/This is what impact looks like. In LISC’s second‑largest investment year to date, the power and necessity of community development have never been clearer. These results underscore a critical point: our integrated approach—combining national scale, local expertise, and coordinated investment—delivers measurable impact. Our 2025 Annual Report showcases how LISC turns strategic vision into lasting change. Dive in to learn more and join us in building what comes next.Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/2025-year-review/https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/lisc-deploy-52-billion-advance-housing-affordability-nationwide/As rising prices and ongoing economic headwinds continue to strain families, LISC is committed to deploying $5.2 billion by 2028 to expand access to affordable housing in rural and urban communities across the country.Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/lisc-deploy-52-billion-advance-housing-affordability-nationwide/