CDC Capacity Building
The Alliance for Building Communities [ABC] is an innovative approach to supporting and funding nonprofit real estate developers, providing them with the resources and technical expertise needed to successfully and comprehensively revitalize their communities.
ABC funds are administered by LISC and invested in CDCs that demonstrate an ability to bring significant neighborhood transformation projects to fruition. ABC is a funding model dedicated to producing results – not simply distributing money.
Utilizing LISC’s Capacity Mapping [CapMap™] tool and programmatic best practices taken from LISC's work with CDCs nationally, ABC invests in CDCs that marry strong planning and management practices with the partnership-mindset required to ensure the long-term success of community projects.
Specifically, LISC provides the training and tools necessary to help CDCs increase capacity and production, achieve economies of scale, and operate within budget constraints. Investor outcomes and benchmarks against which ABC invested CDCs are measured include:
Comprehensive Community Development
Communities become healthy and vital when local residents are involved in efforts to increase economic opportunities, promote human and social development, and improve the physical environment.
Housing Development
The production of new housing and other real estate development projects is essential to any community development strategy. ABC partner CDCs craft development plans that seek to stem the exodus of people out of their neighborhoods by building quality mixed-income housing.
Powerful and Effective CDCs
Success in a neighborhood is often predicated on an efficient and effective infrastructure in which CDCs can be significant players. Towards this end, ABC invests in CDCs that develop strong Board and staff leadership; produce and successfully complete projects of significant scale and neighborhood impact; provide professional development opportunities for staff; and serve underserved and underinvested communities.
Civic Engagement
Neighborhoods are successfully revitalized when every part of the community – local government, neighborhood residents, other for-profit organizations, faith-based organizations, schools and educational institutions – work together with CDCs.
Public and Private Partnerships
Community development begins with the internal energy of a neighborhood, but productive relationships with other organizations will guarantee a CDC’s success. ABC invests in CDCs that produce successful development partnerships with for-profit organizations; collaborate with other neighborhood-based organizations to provide better, more comprehensive service to communities; and form stronger, more-productive relationships with local government and police.