Regions Bank and LISC Partner to Build Opportunity in Communities

Strategic lending, targeted philanthropy, and a shared people-first approach are turning community plans into progress across urban and rural areas.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Regions Bank and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), a Community Development Financial Institution, have collaborated for over 30 years to advance affordable housing, small business development, and economic mobility in both urban and rural communities across Regions Bank's footprint. The two organizations share a fundamental belief that when individuals and families have access to opportunity, entire communities flourish. Their recent partnership efforts include a $5 million line of credit from Regions Community Development Corporation to support LISC's community development projects, and a $200,000 grant from the Regions Foundation to Rural LISC to address the growing need for safe, affordable housing in rural communities across Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

Why it matters

This long-standing partnership between Regions Bank and LISC demonstrates how strategic lending, targeted philanthropy, and a shared people-first approach can turn community plans into tangible progress. By combining capital, expertise, and a commitment to strengthening communities, the two organizations are making a lasting impact in both urban neighborhoods and rural towns.

The details

The collaboration between Regions Bank and LISC has evolved from a single affordable housing project in the 1990s to a multifaceted partnership today. LISC, with its 34 local offices and rural program reaching over 2,400 counties, works closely with community-based organizations to understand local priorities and respond quickly to evolving needs. Regions Bank's relationship banking model and community engagement strategy align with LISC's people-first approach, allowing the two organizations to design impactful solutions that meet the unique needs of each community.

  • In the 1990s, Regions Bank and LISC began their partnership with a single affordable housing project.
  • In late 2025, the Regions Foundation provided a $200,000 grant to Rural LISC to support the Southern Rural Housing Initiative.
  • Recently, Regions Bank and LISC came together for a pivotal meeting to discuss, reflect, and brainstorm on their long-standing collaboration.

The players

Regions Bank

A financial institution that has partnered with LISC for over 30 years to advance affordable housing, small business development, and economic mobility in both urban and rural communities across its footprint.

Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)

A Community Development Financial Institution that allocates funding from various sources to provide financing, technical assistance, and management support to local partners and developers, working to invest in housing, small businesses, jobs, financial health, education, safety, and community well-being.

Regions Community Development Corporation (RCDC)

A wholly owned subsidiary of Regions Bank that provides mission-driven capital to community-focused partners, helping bridge critical gaps between promising ideas and the resources needed to bring them to life.

Regions Foundation

A nonprofit funded primarily by Regions Bank that focuses on initiatives enhancing economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, and financial wellness.

Michael Pugh

President and CEO of LISC.

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What they’re saying

“At Regions Bank, we talk a lot about the concept of Shared Value – the idea that we can't be successful as a company unless those in our community have the ability to thrive.”

— Leroy Abrahams, Head of Community Engagement at Regions Bank (doingmoretoday.com)

“Meaningful community change doesn't happen in isolation. It takes like-minded organizations working together who share similar missions, values and commitments to meet people where they are.”

— Michael Pugh, President and CEO of LISC (doingmoretoday.com)

“RCDC is proud to support LISC and the important work they do to expand opportunities in places where access to capital has historically been limited.”

— David Christian, Chief Operating Officer of RCDC (doingmoretoday.com)

“Rural communities face unique housing challenges – from aging homes to limited development resources and financing gaps. We're pleased to support Rural LISC as they help local partners overcome those barriers and advance long‑term economic resilience for thousands of rural residents.”

— Marta Self, Executive Director of the Regions Foundation (doingmoretoday.com)

What’s next

Together, Regions Bank, RCDC, Regions Foundation, and LISC plan to deepen their collaboration to continue building stronger communities across urban neighborhoods and rural towns.

The takeaway

This long-standing partnership between Regions Bank and LISC demonstrates the power of combining strategic lending, targeted philanthropy, and a shared people-first approach to turn community plans into tangible progress and create lasting opportunities for individuals, families, and entire communities.