Community Development Corporations (CDCs)

Local Initiatives Support Corporation Chicago (LISC Chicago) connects neighborhoods to the resources they need to become stronger and healthier.  Its flagship program is the New Communities Program (NCP) Network, a partnership with 16 community-based "lead agencies" that coordinate the work of more than 70 partners across 28 community areas. The NCP methodology centers on the development of “Quality-of-Life Plans” under the supervision of a local lead agency selected by LISC in each participating neighborhood.  Seed funding, technical assistance, and other forms of support are then provided to the lead agency and partner organizations to execute the plan, which typically involves housing, commercial and retail development, employment, health care, parks and recreation, child care, educational quality, the arts, and community security.  In 2014, LISC made 180 grants totaling $8.2 million to 53 partner organizations and provided six loans totaling $7.8 million.

Focused on the South Side communities of North Kenwood, Oakland, and portions of Douglas and Grand Boulevard, Quad Communities Development Corporation (QCDC) convenes residents, organizations, businesses and institutions to plan, guide, support, and monitor human infrastructure and community development activities.  As a lead agency for LISC Chicago’s New Communities Program, QCDC led an 18-month planning process, bringing together over 400 community residents and stakeholders to develop a 10-year Quality of Life Plan, and now implements and supports other groups in implementing community development projects outlined in the plan.  Moreover, as one of Chicago’s Neighborhood Business Development Centers, QCDC connects businesses to city incentive programs, financial resources, networking opportunities, and technical assistance.

Aiming to revitalize the low-to-moderate income communities of Auburn Gresham, Englewood, Greater Grand Crossing and West Chatham, GAGDC focuses on designing and implementing programs that improve community economic viability; increasing the availability of quality housing; maintaining and improving existing affordable housing; and enhancing the delivery of social services, particularly to senior citizens.  As the lead service provider to Special Service Areas 32—a designation created in 2001 to boost investment within the 79th Street Business District and funded through a special property tax levy—it also provides targeted marketing, maintenance and beautification, economic development, facade enhancement, and safety programs to businesses in the Auburn Gresham Business District.

Established in 1987 by Lawndale Community Church to help revitalize the Lawndale neighborhood, the Lawndale Christian Development Corporation (LCDC) aims to promote holistic revitalization through economic empowerment, housing and commercial development, youth and adult education, and community advocacy. To date, LCDC’s work has resulted in more than $100 million in commercial and residential development, including more than 360 units of affordable housing.

Over-the-Rhine Community Housing focuses on developing and managing resident-centered, affordable housing in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati. The nonprofit has developed over 300 units of affordable housing, saved 45 historical buildings from demolition, and currently manages approximately 200 units. Demonstrating its commitment to the community, the organization’s development work employs low-income community residents and purchases materials and supplies from local businesses.   Read more about Over-the-Rhine Community Housing...

Aiming to stabilize and revitalize the community, Cincinnati Northside Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation (CNCURC) focuses on increasing homeownership, eliminating blight, and supporting business development. It adheres to energy-efficient and environmentally conscientious building practices and is credited with constructing the first two Silver LEED Certified single-family homes in Cincinnati. Read more about Cincinnati Northside Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation (CNCURC)...