In the News
2010
Social Innovation: Let's hear those ideas
In America and Britain governments hope that a partnership with “social entrepreneurs” can solve some of society’s most intractable problems
Policymakers on both sides of the Atlantic are keen on a new approach to alleviating society’s troubles. On July 22nd Barack Obama’s administration listed the first 11 investments by its new Social Innovation Fund (SIF). About $50m of public money, more than matched by $74m from philanthropic foundations, will be given to some of America’s most successful non-profit organisations, in order to expand their work in health care, in creating jobs and in supporting young people (see table).
Social Innovation Fund Awarded to LISC for expansion of Financial Opportunity Centers
Obama Administration has awarded LISC a $4.2 million grant from its ground-breaking Social Innovation Fund 
(SIF) to support the expansion of our growing network of Financial Opportunity Centers. These centers are a critical component of our Building Sustainable Communities approach to revitalizing disadvantaged neighborhoods.
LISC was the only community development organization selected for SIF funding, and we couldn't be prouder to be among this first class of 11 grantees. Our SIF grant will help support new and expanded Financial Opportunity Centers in Chicago, Cincinnati, Detroit, Duluth, Houston, Indianapolis, Minneapolis/St. Paul, San Diego and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Citi Foundation and LISC Team Up to Help Low Income Families Build Income and Assets
Citigroup CEO Vikram Pandit announced today that Citi has joined forces with the 
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) to support an innovative financial
counseling and empowerment program that helps low-income families increase their incomes, build long-term assets and raise their standards of living.
“Our goal is to help struggling neighborhoods become better places to live, work, do business and raise families”
The Citi Foundation is providing $1 million to help LISC expand its network of Financial Opportunity Centers to underserved neighborhoods in Houston, San Diego and Newark to increase the economic prospects of local residents. The grant is also benefiting an ongoing program in Chicago.
Financial Opportunity Centers come to Near Northside in Houston, Texas
A new Financial Opportunity Center is opening in the Near Northside neighborhood, 
helping with one-one-one;financial counseling and coaching, financial workshops and
employment services. This is the first Financial Opportunity Center to open in the
Houston area.
Wesley Community Center (located at 1410 Lee Street, 77009) leads a collaborative of
partners to deliver and implement the essential services.
2008
Press Release: Home Depot awarded LISC Houston $700,000 to support families devastated by Hurricane Ike.