Duluth LISC contributes more than $2 million for community projects in 2012

More than $2 million was invested in neighborhood programs and projects by Duluth LISC last year, the nonprofit announced last week.

Duluth LISC, which stands for Local Initiatives Support Corporation, said it provided more than $2 million for Duluth’s “core neighborhoods,” which include Morgan Park, West Duluth, Lincoln Park and Hillside in 2012.

Included in that figure was $270,000 in grants to community development organizations, including Community Action Duluth, One Roof Community Housing, West Duluth Community Development Corporation, the Healthy Duluth Area Coalition, the Entrepreneur Fund and Ecolibrium3.

“Duluth LISC targets its resources and partnerships to ensure that they have the greatest impact on families and their neighborhoods,” Pam Kramer, executive director of Duluth LISC, said in a press release. “LISC investments in locally-based community development corporations and other partners helped these organizations strengthen and preserve affordable housing, connect people to better employment, increased assets and educational opportunities, and improved neighborhood safety, business climate and quality of life.”

Duluth LISC also provided $161,000 to Duluth at Work, a partnership between the city, LISC and five nonprofits that offers job training and support for job seekers and small businesses. Those funds will provide assistance for 38 individuals and nine businesses, according to LISC.

The organization also contributed a $350,000 loan to Sherman Associates to assist with a redevelopment project at the former Lincoln Park Elementary School. Plans call for the building to be transformed into affordable housing for 50 families.

A $750,000 predevelopment loan was also provided to Sherman Associates to renovate the historic NorShor Theater into a community performing arts center.

With last year’s contributions, Duluth LISC, which is now in its 16th year, has invested more $74.7 million to local initiatives, according to the organization. The group, which is now in its 16th year, raises money from local and regional businesses, foundations and individual donors.

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