Recently, teams from Regions Bank and longtime community partner Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) came together for a day of discussion, reflection and brainstorming. It didn’t feel like a typical meeting. Instead, the session marked a pivotal moment for two organizations that have shared a business relationship – and a common purpose – for more than 30 years.
“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,” said Leroy Abrahams, head of Community Engagement at Regions Bank. “We’re fortunate to work with a strong community partner that shares our fundamental belief that when individuals and families have access to opportunity, entire communities flourish.”
At Regions, 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.
That shared philosophy has carried this relationship from a single affordable‑housing project in the 1990s to the interconnected collaboration it is today. LISC, a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), allocates funding from banks, corporations, foundations, individuals and government agencies to provide financing, technical assistance and management support to local partners and developers. The organization works with a vast network of community-based partners to invest in housing, small businesses, jobs and financial health, education, safety and community well-being.
Over the years, Regions Bank and LISC have worked together to advance affordable housing, small business development and economic mobility in both urban and rural communities across the bank’s footprint.
Why This Community Partnership Stands Out
LISC is one of the nation’s most experienced community development intermediaries, with a model that blends local insight with national reach. With 34 local offices, including a rural program that reaches more than 2,400 counties in 50 states, LISC works side by side with community-based organizations to understand local priorities, build trust and respond quickly as needs evolve. Their work is rooted in relationships – built over time through presence and partnership.
When smart business practices align with community needs, you can design solutions that have a real and lasting impact. Michael Pugh, president and CEO of LISC
That boots-on-the-ground, people-first approach aligns with Regions Bank’s own philosophy. The bank’s relationship banking model and community engagement strategy center on understanding the unique needs of customers, neighborhoods and local organizations – and responding with solutions that fit the realities of each community. Both organizations believe that long-term progress begins with listening, learning and investing with purpose.
“Meaningful community change doesn’t happen in isolation,” said Michael Pugh, president and CEO of LISC. “It takes like-minded organizations working together who share similar missions, values and commitments to meet people where they are. That’s why relationships like the one between LISC and Regions Bank matter so much. When smart business practices align with community needs, you can design solutions that have a real and lasting impact.”
Two recent projects, one with Regions Community Development Corporation® (RCDC) and the other with the Regions Foundation®, show how the Regions-LISC collaboration is making a difference.
Mission-Driven Capital Turns Plans into Progress
As part of the ongoing collaboration between Regions Bank, RCDC, and LISC, RCDC recently established a $5 million line of credit to support lending for community development projects in targeted areas across the Regions footprint. The flexible capital is designed to help LISC advance initiatives such as affordable housing, infrastructure improvements and small business support – all aimed at strengthening low-income neighborhoods, boosting local economies and improving overall quality of life.
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.
RCDC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Regions Bank, provides financing for projects, organizations and initiatives that are economically viable but may not meet the criteria for conventional commercial bank underwriting. By delivering mission‑driven capital to community‑focused partners, RCDC helps bridge critical gaps that often stand between promising ideas and the resources needed to bring them to life.
“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,” said David Christian, chief operating officer of RCDC. “This financing commitment helps ensure that community projects with potential don’t stall for lack of flexible resources – and that together, we can keep advancing the work that strengthens neighborhoods and creates lasting opportunity.”
Supporting Housing Solutions in Rural Communities
In late 2025, the Regions Foundation provided a $200,000 grant to Rural LISC to support the Southern Rural Housing Initiative, a program created to meet the growing need for safe, affordable housing in rural communities across Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. Many of these areas have long faced limited access to development resources, and the initiative is helping fill that gap by strengthening the local organizations working closest to residents.
The Regions Foundation is a nonprofit funded primarily by Regions Bank that focuses on initiatives that enhance economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, and financial wellness.
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.
Through this support, Rural LISC is helping community‑based partners build their capacity, move long‑planned housing projects forward and access the tools and guidance needed to bring more homes online. The initiative also connects rural organizations to programs that support workforce development, financial stability and small‑business growth – key ingredients in healthier, more resilient communities.
“Rural communities face unique housing challenges – from aging homes to limited development resources and financing gaps,” said Marta Self, executive director of the Regions Foundation. “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.”
The Road Ahead: Co-Investing in Resilient Communities
Along with financial support and lending opportunities, Regions also provides leadership at the local market level. David May, Memphis market executive and Commercial Banking regional director, is a past member of the advisory committee for LISC Memphis. Two Community Development leaders in Indianapolis, Kate Livingstone and Brian Carman, currently serve on local LISC committees for their market.
Together, Regions Bank, RCDC, Regions Foundation and LISC are demonstrating what happens when institutions combine capital, expertise and shared purpose to build stronger communities – not just for today, but for decades to come.
With this hands-on collaboration, along with the recent RCDC lending, Regions Foundation grant funding and a dynamic brainstorming session that closed with plans for deeper collaboration, Wendi Boyen, Regions Bank head of Community Development Lending and Investments, is optimistic about what comes next for the two organizations.
“Together, Regions Bank, RCDC, Regions Foundation and LISC are demonstrating what happens when institutions combine capital, expertise and shared purpose to build stronger communities – not just for today, but for decades to come.”