WHAT'S NEW

Community Development at the Nexus of People and Place

In the recent issue of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco's Community Development Investment Review, LIIF President and CEO Nancy O. Andrews outlines the compelling case for a comprehensive, integrated approach to solving the problem of poverty in America. In "Coming Out as a Human Capitalist: Community Development at the Nexus of People and Place," Ms. Andrews identifies the unique role the community development sector can play in this solution and provides a vision for the next evolution in the industry.

Celebrating 25 Years and 700,000 Stories of Success: LIIF's 2009 Annual Report

For 25 years, LIIF has given more than 700,000 low income people the opportunity to write life stories that are not predetermined by poverty, but instead are based on their dreams for the future. LIIF's 2009 Annual Report, "Celebrating 700,000 Stories of Success," features a few of these stories of achievement and the impact of 25 years of investing in human potential. Download the report.

New York Governor Announces Selection of LIIF and Partners for State Fresh Foods Initiative

New York Governor David A. Patterson announced the selection of two community development financial institutions, LIIF and The Reinvestment Fund (TRF), as administrators of the statewide Food Market Revolving Loan Fund. LIIF and TRF will also partner with the nationally-recognized nonprofit the Food Trust, which will act as the program's Food Access Organization. 

Governor Patterson said of the partnership, "I look forward to working with the Low Income Investment Fund and The Reinvestment Fund to bring good jobs, private investment, and nutritious, affordable foods to neighborhoods across State.” Read the Governor's press release.

A strong supporter of healthy foods efforts, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) noted, "I am working hard in Washington every day to ensure that New York residents have access to nutritious and affordable food. We need to continue to support successful organizations like the Low Income Investment Fund, The Reinvestment Fund and the Food Trust that help green our state’s economy, empower food markets in underserved areas, and provide New York families critically needed access to healthy, local food.”

OUR IMPACT

Over its 25-year history, LIIF has provided over $750 million in financing and technical assistance for projects benefiting low income communities in 26 states, leveraging additional investments of $5.1 billion.

LIIF has served more than 700,000 people, resulting in $15 billion of societal and income savings.

LIIF's work has developed or enhanced:

• 55,000 units of housing;
• 123,000 child care spaces;
• 46,000 spaces in schools for children; and
• 3.1 million square feet of commercial and community facilities space.

WHAT WE DO

LIIF improves and strengthens underserved communities by providing loans, grants and technical assistance to community development organizations. LIIF provides capital and technical assistance for housing, education, child care and supportive community facilities.

Featured Project:
Democracy Prep Charter School

Democracy Prep Charter School was named the best performing and happiest school in Harlem, New York in the recently released New York City Learning Environment Survey and the Chancellor's Progress Report. The school was rated as the #1 public school in Harlem and #8 public school citywide for the past two years. LIIF provided a $3.5 million loan to renovate and expand Democracy Prep's facility. Read more about Democracy Prep's success.