2009 Press Releases

  • Detroit LISC Launches Business Planning Phase of Innovative Investment Strategy to Build Sustainable Communities in Detroit

    Detroit LISC has officially announced implementation of the business planning phase of Organizational Sustainability, and selected a dozen non-profit partner organizations that will receive funding and resources to help move the Detroit LISC Sustainable Communities agenda forward.

    This announcement comes at a crucial time when the industry as a whole is adjusting to the impact of the current economic downturn. A catalyst for positive change in the industry, Detroit LISC remains focused on how best to respond to the current economic situation, and at the same time effectively revitalize the neighborhoods of Detroit.

  • Detroit LISC 2009 Awards Recognize Our Community's Heroes, Leaders

    During the 2009 Detroit Community Development Awards, at the Roostertail in Detroit on Friday, September 18, Detroit Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) announced its Award winners, acknowledging the extraordinary lengths that ordinary citizens will go to protect, preserve, and enhance their neighborhoods. The Ninth Annual Awards is the premiere event recognizing the leaders and unsung heroes of community development and neighborhood revitalization in Detroit.

  • Detroit LISC Names Grace Lee Boggs 2009 Legacy Award Winner

    Detroit’s own Grace Lee Boggs - national speaker, author, and an activist through every major U.S. social movement - will be named The Home Depot Foundation 2009 Legacy Award winner on Friday, September 18 at the 9th Annual Detroit Community Development Awards, hosted by the Detroit Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). The Legacy Award is given to an individual who provides leadership, wisdom, and unswerving dedication to the furtherance of the Detroit community development industry.

  • Detroit LISC Adds Three New Members to Local Advisory Committee

    The Detroit LISC Local Advisory Committee (LAC) approved three new distinguished members to join. Serving in a stewardship role, the LAC provides leadership and guidance to the Detroit LISC office and maintains a close working relationship with national LISC.

  • Register Online at www.detroit-lisc.org for the 9th Annual Detroit Community Development Awards

    New this year, Detroit LISC is offering easy online registration on its website (www.detroit-lisc.org) for its 9th Annual Detroit Community Development Awards. The event recognizes the leaders and unsung heroes of community development and neighborhood revitalization in Detroit.

  • Detroit LISC Invests Over $1.5M in 2009 Grants

    Detroit LISC announces 28 grants to 24 organizations, totaling over $1.5 million for 2009 year to date. These grants are advancing LISC’s commitment to build Sustainable Communities in Detroit’s neighborhoods through its three pillars of investment: land use and physical development, economic development, and community safety and healthy environments – as well as investments into Detroit’s community development delivery system to keep organizations sustainable and strong.

  • V8 Gateway Collaborative and Detroit LISC Host Ribbon Cutting Event

    V8 Gateway Collaborative and Detroit LISC Host Ribbon Cutting Event to Celebrate the Façade Renovation of Ten Businesses and Over $500,000 of Investment within the Van Dyke-8 Mile Corridor.

    In an ongoing effort to revitalize the community along Van Dyke from McNichols to Ten Mile, the Van Dyke - 8 Mile Gateway Collaborative (V8) with support from Detroit LISC will host a ribbon cutting event to celebrate the exterior renovations of 10 businesses on Van Dyke in Center Line, Detroit, and Warren. This event will take place on Thursday, June 25th starting at 10 AM at the Owen Jax Recreation Center in Warren.

  • Detroit LISC Makes $3 Million Commitment to Community Development Partners

    Detroit LISC will invest $3 million for organizational sustainability ($1 million annually through 2011) to preserve and support nonprofit community development organizations working to improve the neighborhoods in our city. As the leader in comprehensive, sustainable community development for Detroit neighborhoods since 1990, Detroit LISC is making a major commitment in response to the current economic situation and its impact on the community development industry.

  • Detroit LISC Invites All Detroiters to Nominate their Community Champions Today! Nominations are Due Friday, July 17

    Today, Detroit LISC announces that nominations are open for the 9th Annual Detroit Community Development Awards, the premiere event recognizing the leaders and unsung heroes of community development and neighborhood revitalization in Detroit.

    This year’s awards include the 2009 CDC of the Year Award and the 2009 Community Champion Awards. Winners of the 9th Annual Awards will be presented at 12 Noon on Friday, September 18, 2009 at the Roostertail, 100 Marquette Drive, on the Detroit waterfront.

    2009 Sponsors to date include: JPMorgan Chase, MASCO Corporation Foundation, Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), and State Farm.

  • University Cultural Center Association....Three Neighborhood Revitalization Projects

    UCCA will be planting 50 trees in the Art Center Neighborhood which has recently lost a significant amount of trees due to disease and redevelopment. UCCA will be matching a $15,000 grant from Home Depot, the world’s largest home improvement retailer. This generous grant will be facilitated through Detroit Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and is intended to augment other greening activities in the neighborhood, including the Nailah Commons Townhomes and the Midtown Loop Greenway.

  • Northeast Guidance Center Begins Construction on New Conner Creek 'Green' Home on Detroit's Eastside

    As economic problems batter families, non-profit community-based organizations become ever more crucial, especially in urban neighborhoods. Economic problems also expand the need for mental health services, such as those provided in Detroit by the Northeast Guidance Center, and they highlight the importance of partnerships in developing programs and facilities to provide them.

    KeyBank, Detroit Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), and Wayne County Economic Development are partnering in facilitating the Northeast Guidance Center’s (NEGC) efforts to assist individuals and families, enabling the respected nonprofit organization to build a more efficient “green” facility, the Conner Campus.

  • Detroit LISC, Wayne State Partner for Warrior Service Day in Parks Citywide

    Just in time for Spring, Detroit LISC and Wayne State University are partnering for Wayne Cares Warrior Service Day, Saturday, April 18 from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., bringing hundreds of students, staff and community residents together to clean up and revitalize several of Detroit’s large parks and playfields. The goal is to get the areas ready for residents to enjoy sports and family outings.

  • Detroit LISC Releases 2008 Investment Report

    When there is a need, Detroit Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) is there, bringing non-traditional partners together, leveraging resources, and building new relationships to drive comprehensive, sustainable change in Detroit’s neighborhoods.

    Over the past 12 months, Detroit LISC has stepped up its efforts and invested $30.5 million into Detroit community and neighborhood development, the largest annual investment made by the Detroit office in its 19-year history in the city. These dollars to date have also leveraged an additional $211 million in investment into comprehensive residential and commercial development across metro Detroit.

  • Detroit LISC Names New Assistant Program Officer

    Deborah L. Younger, Executive Director of the Detroit office of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), announces that Sara A. Arnold has joined the Detroit staff as an Assistant Program Officer.