Philadelphia LISC is a locally-managed affiliate of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), a national nonprofit community development organization.
Philadelphia LISC supports local community development corporations with funding, technical assistance, and advocacy.
For decades Philadelphia LISC has helped build affordable quality housing, commercial enterprises, community centers, and innovative charter schools. We’ve also helped dozens of CDCs sharpen their skills and deliver better results for the residents they serve.
Since 1980, with the help of local donors and generous small business funders, we have invested more than $230 million directly into some of Philadelphia’s most challenged communities–which in turn has leveraged an additional $670 million from other sources. These critical funds have made possible the development of over 6,000 units of affordable housing, the construction of numerous shopping centers and community facilities, the revitalization of nine commercial corridors, and the increased capacity of many of Philadelphia’s CDCs.
Now Philadelphia LISC has launched a more comprehensive approach to community development: The Sustainable Communities Initiative. SCI emphasizes improving whole communities by making them healthier, more competitive, and better connected with the economic mainstream. It builds on the successful work we have been doing, and takes it even further.
Learn more about Philadelphia LISC at our main website»
Director's Message
Welcome to the website of the Sustainable Communities Initiative in Philadelphia—SCI.
SCI is an exciting way of thinking about and carrying out community development. We work with residents to make neighborhoods healthier and more appealing places to live, work, and raise children.
The SCI approach is a complete one. Neighborhoods and the people who live in them have many needs:
- high-quality, affordable housing
- access to health care and child care
- retail development
- high-performing schools
- safe streets
- family asset-building
SCI addresses these together, as part of an integrated approach that focuses on places and people as one -- not just a series of stand-alone projects.
Our two SCI communities are leading the way in re-thinking how neighborhoods can become stronger. Philadelphia LISC is proud to be working with the outstanding, committed community groups that we have chosen as our SCI partners.
I invite you to explore this site to learn more about we've done so far and what's coming in the future.
Andrew Frishkoff
Executive Director
Philadelphia LISC