First Niagara Bank supports building sustainable communities in Buffalo

Buffalo Local Initiatives Support Corp. has announced it will be a recipient of a $25,000 grant from the First Niagara Foundation. The grant will support LISC's "Building Sustainable Communities" initiative in Buffalo.

The initiative is a comprehensive revitalization strategy that is helping to create positive environments in Buffalo. LISC is working with local partners to provide residents of varied income levels with the opportunities and tools to build assets, to participate in their communities, and to become part of the mainstream economy.

"First Niagara has been one of our valued partners in Buffalo," said Buffalo LISC Executive Director Michael Clarke. "Their support of our work to form productive local partnerships is leading to improved housing, new neighborhood recreational facilities, and improved family financial opportunities. We are also proud to have been a partner with First Niagara in their restoration of the Larkin 'U' Building through our allocation of new market tax credits, and the addition of new jobs and investments in the Larkin neighborhood."

First Niagara's continued support will aid neighborhood commercial and housing revitalization, and help to build family income and wealth through the establishment of a financial opportunities center on Buffalo's West Side.

"First Niagara is a huge proponent of initiatives that improve our neighborhoods, increase self-sufficiency and revitalize our community," said Buford Sears, First Niagara regional president, Western New York. "We are proud to work with Local Initiatives Support Corporation to provide financing opportunities and resources that enable families and business to take root in the City of Buffalo."

In addition to supporting LISC's work in Buffalo, First Niagara is a proud supporter of the Connecticut LISC office, helping neighbors to build sustainable communities throughout the greater Hartford area.

To learn more about the First Niagara Foundation, visit:

https://www.firstniagara.com/About_Us/Community_Commitment.