Who is ISC?

We are a non-profit that brings partners, expertise, and funding to communities that are most vulnerable to climate change and the effect it has on the lives of people in the U.S. and abroad.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to develop practical, lasting solutions that build climate-resilient communities in the U.S. and across the world. Through partnerships with locally-led organizations, we co-create safer environments, healthier lives, and cleaner cities, while improving access to affordable, reliable energy in the most vulnerable communities—contributing to a more secure future for all.


Vision Statement

To create a world where communities have the knowledge, resources, and support needed to thrive amidst a changing climate.

Global communication network concept. Worldwide business. Human resources.

Our Value

We address real challenges people face, including every human’s right to live on a clean earth, have a healthy environment, and thrive in all aspects of life. We achieve this by co-creating solutions with locally led organizations and connecting them with the resources needed to drive lasting improvements in communities facing the greatest environmental, economic and social issues. 

What We Do

ISC focuses on co-creating solutions that improve lives and advance long-term solutions. By providing expertise, resources, and connections, we drive lasting, meaningful change and support communities to build their own resilience. Our work includes:

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Building Strategic Partnerships

The most durable solutions are rooted in community leadership. ISC facilitates public-private partnerships that combine public, philanthropic, and private investments to create healthier environments, safer workplaces, and cleaner infrastructure.

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Local Organizations and Leaders

Across the globe, local businesses, cities, nonprofits, and individuals are driving change within their communities. While they’re often best positioned to lead transformation, they may lack the resources or expertise to scale their efforts. ISC incubates and catalyzes local action…

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Scaling and Sharing What Works

ISC helps adapt and scale solutions, sharing them across a global network built over decades of experience. We collaborate with organizations and leaders best positioned to expand these community-led innovations, encouraging the global adoption of proven strategies that deliver real,…

Our Approach

We co-create with communities, not for them.
At ISC, we work alongside local leaders, organizations, and businesses to develop practical, community-led solutions that last.

We build partnerships that drive impact.
The most durable change starts with trust. That’s why we connect public, philanthropic, and private partners to support cleaner infrastructure, safer workplaces, and healthier environments.

We strengthen what’s already working.
Local organizations are already leading change. We support them with tailored technical assistance and targeted grant making so their impact can grow and last, long after our role ends.

We turn bold ideas into real results.
Our team helps move solutions from theory to action, testing and scaling what works across communities facing the greatest challenges.

The ISC Way

Practical, Locally-Focused Solutions

We partner with locally-led organizations that deliver practical, scalable, and lasting solutions where they’re needed most and will have the greatest impact. Creating real results is why we exist.

Co-Created Community Solutions

Collaboration is at our core. We ensure local buy-in by partnering with community organizations to co-create solutions for safe water, clean air, and resilient infrastructure. When solutions are locally-built, everyone wins.

Collaborative Network

Diverse thinking leads to multiplied impact. By connecting our network of foundations, institutions, and community-led changemakers, we amplify impact through shared knowledge, training, and partnerships. We leverage The Power of Together.

International Experience

We uplift communities in the U.S. and abroad as they become more resilient and prepare for increasing natural disasters, extreme weather events, and stressed global supply chains. Our impact stretches across the world.

Innovative & Flexible

We tailor solutions, ensuring effective, adaptable approaches and targeted solutions that create meaningful community impact. Everything we do is process-driven, but nothing is cookie-cutter.

People & Planet

We believe that every human has the right to live a healthy life on a clean earth. Supporting projects that address multiple, interconnected challenges, we multiply the impact of our partners, funders, and donors.

Our Core Values

History

Since 1991, Institute for Sustainable Communities (ISC) has been dedicated to helping communities around the world address environmental and safety challenges through practical, community-driven solutions. Founded by former Vermont Governor Madeleine M. Kunin and former ISC President George Hamilton, ISC was built on the belief that lasting change begins at the local level, where people understand their unique challenges and opportunities best.


Over the past three decades, ISC has led transformative projects across the globe, partnering with local leaders, businesses, and organizations to strengthen communities, improve living conditions, and support economic growth. Our work spans from promoting clean air and water to advancing public health and creating safer, more resilient environments.

While our focus has evolved to meet new global challenges, our mission remains the same: to support communities in developing solutions that endure long after our direct involvement ends. Under new leadership, ISC is focused on broad, nonpartisan partnerships and adapting to evolving priorities, ensuring our work reflects future-focused goals. Today, ISC continues to connect local knowledge with global expertise, driving meaningful change in communities worldwide.


Throughout its history, ISC has prioritized local leadership and capacity-building to create practical, lasting solutions for environmental and community challenges. Our history serves as a foundation for the future—one where communities are equipped to thrive, adapt, and lead the way toward a healthier, safer, and more resilient world for all.

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Our Culture

At ISC, our culture is rooted in collaboration, curiosity, and shared purpose. We’re a team of practical problem-solvers who believe that meaningful change happens when communities lead and partners work together.

We work side-by-side with local leaders to co-create solutions that improve environments, strengthen economies, and make workplaces safer. Across all our projects, we bring a spirit of inquiry, respect, and commitment to lasting impact.

Want to see what that looks like in action?
Get to know the people behind the mission.

Meet The Team

Join Our Team

Passionate about making a difference? At ISC, we believe that meaningful change starts with dedicated people. We’re always looking for mission-driven individuals who are ready to collaborate, innovate, and create impact in communities around the world.

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