LISC Charlotte
“Zaja PR helps us amplify transformative work, bringing a deep understanding of community, guiding us on what to say and what not to say so we maintain trust and credibility in the community.”
Context
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) is a 40-year Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) committed to comprehensive community development, including investing capital and resources into small businesses, economic development, affordable housing, health & safety, sports & recreation, and education, as well as building the capacity of non-profit partners. LISC Charlotte brings together resources from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to strengthen Charlotte’s economy and expand opportunities for all residents to thrive. The organization builds partnerships and forge alliances that unite community efforts, drive change and promote lasting prosperity and well-being across the city. Since opening its office in March 2019, LISC Charlotte has invested over $106 million in Charlotte.
Our Approach
Zaja PR serves as LISC Charlotte's primary communications partner, supporting their mission to act as a catalyst of change to help forge resilient and inclusive communities of opportunity across the city in the areas of affordable housing, small business and economic development, community building, technical expertise for local groups, financial stability and education, particularly for low-income residents. Our work includes developing strategic messaging, speech writing, managing media relations and helping to build and strengthen mutually beneficial relationships with key stakeholders including corporate investors, foundations, government agencies, community-led organizations and local media.
We provide ongoing communications strategy, content development and public relations support that reflects LISC Charlotte’s values and priorities. Acting as a liaison between the organization and local media, we help shape timely, consistent and community‑centered messaging that builds trust and elevates the impact of LISC’s work. Our support demonstrates the firm’s capacity to manage comprehensive PR strategies for social impact organizations working across local, regional and national teams.
Key Results
Annual and fiscal-year communications strategies (FY22-23, FY24-25, FY25-26), including stakeholder analyses aligned to LISC's 3-5 year strategic plan
Content development, copywriting and creative direction for a 3-year anniversary report
6-year anniversary communications campaign themed “LISC in 2025” with media outreach, event materials (posters, slides, talking points, invitations, video production) and earned media
Average social media monthly follower growth of 39 individuals or 790% annually
Staff media training and ongoing media preparation
Daily communications management, including collaborative partner announcements, rapid-response story development, and
Ongoing social media content strategy, development and execution