About ISC
ISC is an international non-profit committed to helping communities develop practical, scalable solutions to environmental and safety challenges. We work alongside local leaders to co-create initiatives that improve quality of life, strengthen local economies, and deliver lasting results where they’re needed most.
Our community-first approach ensures that change comes from within, rather than being imposed from the outside. Our approach is rooted in collaboration—bringing together local knowledge and global experience to advance meaningful, measurable progress. By sharing proven strategies, providing technical expertise and training, and building local capacity, we help communities enhance resilience, create safer environments, and promote economic growth.
With a focus on real-world impact, we support communities in implementing innovative strategies that address immediate concerns while preparing for future challenges. From improving water access to clean water to enhancing workplace safety and modernizing infrastructure, our work helps build a healthier, more secure future for all.
Since its founding in 1991 by former Vermont Governor Madeleine M. Kunin and former ISC President George Hamilton, ISC has led transformative projects worldwide. Over the years, we have refined an approach that equips communities to tackle challenges head-on, fostering strong, sustainable growth.
At ISC, we believe that change happens when those who best understand the challenges lead the way. That’s why we prioritize partnerships that put local leadership at the center, ensuring momentum continues long after our direct involvement. Together, we’re driving stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities prepared for the challenges ahead.
mission:
Our mission is to develop practical, lasting solutions that address environmental, economic, and safety challenges while strengthening communities in the U.S. and across the world. Through strong partnerships, we help create cleaner environments, safer workplaces, and resilient communities and infrastructure, while improving access to affordable, reliable energy—contributing to a healthier, more secure future for all.
Approach:
Our approach is a proven and collaborative process driven by communities to deliver practical, people-focused solutions that fortify community resilience, enhance safety, and strengthen local economies. We believe in the power of this approach to create lasting, positive change.
We believe in the power of our approach to create lasting, positive change.
What We Do
We co-create, develop, test, refine, and share practical and cost-effective approaches to addressing local challenges, focusing on the most pressing threats to environmental and community well-being. Through collaboration with local leaders and organizations, we support projects that improve living conditions, strengthen local economies, and create safer, healthier environments. By providing expertise, resources, and connections, we help communities build resilience and drive lasting, meaningful change. Our work with manufacturing facilities and urban areas is key to creating widespread, positive change with lasting impact.
Our Values
At ISC, our values guide everything we do, shaping how we work with communities, partners, and each other to create lasting impact.
- Collaboration: We believe that meaningful change happens when people work together. We build strong partnerships rooted in trust, respect, and shared goals.
- Integrity: We are committed to honesty, transparency, and accountability in all aspects of our work, ensuring that our actions reflect our mission and purpose.
- Innovation: We embrace new ideas and adaptive solutions to address complex challenges, continuously learning and evolving to meet the needs of the communities we serve.
- Community-Centered: We put local voices and leadership at the heart of our work, ensuring that solutions are informed by the people who know their challenges best.
- Impact-Driven: We focus on delivering real, measurable results that improve lives, enhance safety, and strengthen both communities and the environment.
- Resilience: We are dedicated to supporting communities in building the capacity to adapt, grow, and thrive in the face of environmental, economic, and social challenges.
These values inspire our commitment to creating cleaner environments, safer workplaces, and stronger communities—today and for future generations.
How We Do It
At ISC, we believe that lasting change happens when local knowledge, strong partnerships, access to capital, and proven strategies come together. Here’s how we make that happen:
Strengthening 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 facilitates connections by creating pathways between local knowledge and global best practices, accelerating progress, and creating solutions tailored to each community. Even after our direct involvement ends, our partners retain the capacity to tackle new challenges and sustain long-term impact.
Turning Ideas Into Action
Too often, solutions for environmental and community challenges remain theoretical. ISC’s team of experts works alongside institutions and leaders to move from ideas to action—testing strategies in real-world settings, identifying what works, learning from challenges, and scaling successful approaches to drive meaningful change.
Scaling and Sharing What Works
As our partners uncover effective practices, ISC helps adapt and scale these solutions, sharing them across a global network built over decades of experience. We collaborate with organizations and leaders best positioned to expand these innovations, encouraging the adoption of proven strategies that deliver real, measurable results.
Building Strategic Partnerships
The most durable solutions are rooted in community leadership and supported by market-driven approaches. ISC facilitates public-private partnerships that combine public, philanthropic, and private investments, unlocking the power of cross-sector collaboration to create transformative change in cities, nonprofits, and industries.
