Creating Partnerships Local Resource Centers Center for Nonprofit Advancement (202) 457-0540 The mission of the Center for Nonprofit Advancement (formerly Washington Council of Agencies) is to strengthen, promote, and represent nonprofit organizations in metropolitan Washington in order to help them better meet the diverse needs of their communities. Member services offered include educational opportunities, management support, a health care program, and many useful publications. The website features an informative newsletter and a linked directory of members. Local Initiatives Support Corporation (202) 785-2908 Local Initiatives Support Corporation's mission is to assist community development corporations (CDCs) in their efforts to transform distressed neighborhoods into healthy communities. The Washington, DC office focuses on economic development, housing, health care, and youth. The website offers an extensive resource library with best-practice guides, issue papers, and expert presentations. Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (800) 308-0395 The Center's mission is to empower faith-based and other community organizations to apply for HUD grants. The Center supplies information and training, but it does not make the decisions about which groups will be funded. Instead, it creates a level-playing field for faith-based, as well as other community organizations, so that they can work with the government to meet the needs of America's communities.