Linc Up
LINC UP is a Grand Rapids-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit housing corporation, founded in 2000, that develops affordable housing and delivers workforce support, civic engagement, and leadership training to Grand Rapids, Kentwood, and Wyoming residents.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2000
- HeadquartersGrand Rapids, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Linc Up does
LINC UP (Nonprofit Housing Corporation) is a 501(c)(3) community development organization founded in 2000 and headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Over 25 years the organization has built, refurbished, developed, or improved more than 900 units of affordable housing — including single-family homes, multi-family townhomes, and apartments — across Grand Rapids, Kentwood, and Wyoming, while investing over $100M in cumulative community transformation. Beyond physical housing development, LINC UP delivers workforce support (expungement clinics, child support bench warrant resolution, hiring events, career preparation), leadership training through the LINC Academy for Social Transformation (L.A.S.T.), grassroots civic engagement (Voices From the Block podcast, Pre-City Commission Dinners, People's Hearings), contractor development, and community events such as Rock the Block, Feed the Block, and the Community Spirit Awards.
The organization operates a portfolio of programs spanning the full housing lifecycle — affordable rentals, homeownership pathways with down payment assistance up to $15,000, senior assisted living (MoTown Square), and housing advocacy. Its core technology stack is deliberately minimal and community-facing: a Squarespace-hosted website at lincup.org, an email newsletter, active social media on Facebook/Instagram/LinkedIn, a podcast on YouTube, and a third-party tenant payment portal (swp.paymentsgateway.net) for rental collections. There are no proprietary technology products, APIs, or developer platforms.
Revenue is diversified across donations and recurring contributions (501(c)(3) tax-deductible), corporate sponsorships, gallery and venue rental at 341 Hall St SE, affordable rental income from owned/managed properties, and a nascent fee-based Professional Development Solutions line serving partner organizations (racial equity training, construction services, fiscal sponsorship, property management consulting). With 19 full-time staff, the organization operates as a lean, relationship-driven nonprofit with no parent company, venture funding, or external investors.
Linc Up firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Linc Up
- Legal name
- LINC UP Nonprofit Housing Corporation
- Website
- https://lincup.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2000
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- LINC UP is a Grand Rapids-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit housing corporation, founded in 2000, that develops affordable housing and delivers workforce support, civic engagement, and leadership training to Grand Rapids, Kentwood, and Wyoming residents.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Linc Up industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Affordable Housing Development & Community Services
- NAICS
- Civic and Social Organizations (813410), Other Similar Organizations (except Business, Professional, Labor, and Political Organizations) (81399)
- SIC
- General Bldg Contractors - Residential Bldgs (1520), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Residential General Contracting (New Build) (IMAFAAAB)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Mixed-Use Community Association Management (BPAJAHAF)
Keywords
Where Linc Up is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Grand Rapids
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Linc Up business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Donations and Charitable Contributions: LINC UP accepts one-time and recurring monthly donations from individuals and organizations. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
- Sponsorships: Corporate and organizational sponsors support LINC UP programs and events. Sponsorship packages offer visibility at major events, connection to resident networks, and recognition through marketing and digital channels.
- Gallery and Venue Rental: The LINC UP Gallery at 341 Hall St SE is available for private rentals including community events, workshops, and meetings. Rental requires security deposit and final payment 10 business days prior to event.
- Affordable Housing Rentals: LINC UP manages affordable rental properties across Grand Rapids, Kentwood, and Wyoming. They also offer affordable commercial spaces for lease.
- Fee-Based Professional Development Services: Paid professional training for organizations including social transformation and racial equity training, construction services, community engagement strategies, fiscal sponsorship, nonprofit real estate development support, and property management services.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | One-time | Gallery Rental Security Deposit |
| Unit Pricing | One-time | Rock the Block Vendor Fees |
| Unit Pricing | Hourly | Maintenance Technician Hourly Rate |
| One time/ perpetual license | One-time | MoTown Square Application Fee |
| One time/ perpetual license | One-time | GRCC Public Works Academy |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Linc Up product offering
Product offeringCore offering
LINC UP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community development organization that develops, manages, and provides affordable rental housing and homeownership opportunities, while running workforce support, leadership training, civic engagement, and community event programs for Greater Grand Rapids residents. It also operates a community gallery venue, a podcast, and sells fee-based professional development and consulting services (racial equity training, community engagement, fiscal sponsorship, construction management, and property management) to partner organizations.
Product overview
Linc Up is a nonprofit community development organization offering a portfolio of programs and services aimed at removing barriers, expanding opportunities, and increasing affordable housing in Grand Rapids. Its offerings span a full housing lifecycle: Affordable Rental Properties and Homeownership Opportunities (housing provision), Workforce Support and Contractor Assistance (economic empowerment), the LINC Academy for Social Transformation (leadership development), Community Events including Rock the Block and Feed the Block (community engagement), Gallery Rental (venue hire), a Tenant Payment Portal (rental operations), Housing Advocacy (policy work), Professional Development Solutions (fee-based training), the Voices From the Block Podcast, and the Sowing Seeds of Community Mural (ArtPrize 2025). The portfolio mixes free community-serving programs with fee-based professional services.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- LINC Academy for Social Transformation (L.A.S.T.): A 3-day leadership training program that takes place twice a year and prepares neighbors to advocate for changes they want to see in their communities.
- Voices From the Block
Products and services
- Affordable Housing (Rental and Commercial) Affordable rental housing properties and affordable commercial spaces managed by LINC UP and third-party managers across Grand Rapids, Kentwood, and Wyoming. Includes income-restricted rental units for low- and moderate-income households, drawing on a portfolio of 900+ built, refurbished, developed, or improved units over 25 years.
- Homeownership Opportunities Affordable homeownership programs for Greater Grand Rapids residents, including homeownership workshops (covering mortgages, budgeting, and down payment assistance up to $15,000), individualized home-buying process support, and access to affordably priced homes built or refurbished by LINC UP.
- MoTown Square Affordable Assisted Living Affordable assisted living apartments at MoTown Square for seniors aged 55 and older earning 30%-60% of area median income, with utilities included, meal options, and supportive services. Requires a $25 application fee.
- LINC UP Gallery Rental Private rental of the LINC UP Gallery at 341 Hall St SE, Grand Rapids, for community events, workshops, meetings, and other functions. The space includes a projector, televisions, speaker systems, A/V equipment, and off-street parking, with a $250 security deposit and $200 incidental deposit.
- Contractor Assistance Program Program providing local contractors with access to LINC UP construction project bid packets, certification aid, and a network of construction professionals to help them grow services and capacity.
- LINC Academy for Social Transformation (L.A.S.T.) Free 3-day leadership training offered twice a year that prepares Grand Rapids residents to advocate for community change, building confidence, local government understanding, and advocacy skills with a focus on racial equity and systemic issues.
- Professional Development Solutions Fee-based organizational training and consulting services for community partners, including social transformation and racial equity training, construction services (specification writing, construction management), inclusive community engagement strategies, fiscal sponsorship, nonprofit real estate development support, and property management services.
- Workforce Support Program Program connecting residents to employment resources and removing systemic barriers through expungement resource fairs (with Taylor Made Re-Entry and Safe & Just Michigan), child support bench warrant clinics (with Kent County Friend of the Court), career preparation workshops with professional clothing and headshots, and hiring events with West Michigan Works and other employers.
- Housing Advocacy Policy advocacy and organizing efforts to preserve and create affordable housing, prevent displacement due to gentrification, and influence housing-related policy changes at the local level in Grand Rapids.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 900 affordable housing units built, refurbished, or improved over 25 years
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Linc Up
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Linc Up technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Linc Up partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.
- Michigan Justice Fund (MJF)coreMJF partnered with LINC UP to sponsor the Sowing Seeds of Community mural at LINC UP's Gallery for ArtPrize 2025. The project centers on reimagining public safety and decarceration, supporting LINC UP's advocacy efforts to challenge narratives surrounding mass incarceration.
- Feeding America West MichigancorePartnership for Feed the Block free food distribution events, providing nutritious food to families in the Grand Rapids community. Events held at LINC UP Gallery location.
- Kent County Friend of the CourtcorePartner for Child Support Bench Warrant Clinics, providing residents opportunities to resolve outstanding child support obligations without fear of arrest. LINC UP hosts these safe-space events.
- Taylor Made Re-EntrycorePartner for expungement resource fairs, helping individuals understand eligibility and navigate the expungement process with attorney support.
- Safe & Just MichigansupportingPartner for expungement resource fairs, providing resources and support for individuals seeking to clear criminal records.
- Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC)corePartnership for Public Works Academy information sessions. GRCC's 14-week program provides pathways into public works careers with paid work opportunities and CDL training.
- West Michigan WorkscorePartner for hiring events connecting residents with employment opportunities. LINC UP hosts hiring events at West Michigan Works location for maintenance technician and other positions.
- Mercantile BanksupportingPartner for homeownership workshops including 'Maximizing Mortgage Savings' workshop helping first-time buyers understand mortgages, budgeting, and long-term planning.
- Choice One BanksupportingPartner for homeownership workshop on budgeting during the holidays, helping families plan for homeownership while managing holiday expenses.
- LMCU (Lake Michigan Credit Union)supportingPartner for homeownership workshop covering credit, mortgages, down payment assistance (up to $15,000), and loan program options for prospective homebuyers.
- Plante MoransupportingLarge accounting firm contracted to conduct annual financial audits. LINC UP received unmodified audit opinion demonstrating effective financial management.
- Proponents LLCsupportingExternal evaluator for the 'Community LINC Project,' conducting three-year evaluation of civic engagement initiatives and LINC UP's ability to influence systems change.
- Rock the Block SponsorssupportingMultiple sponsors for Rock the Block event including LMCU (Gold), IFF ($2,500), Network180, ChoiceOne (Silver), Godfrey Brothers, WGVU PBS NPR, and GRPS. Sponsors receive visibility at major community event.
- Urban Core CollectivesupportingPartner for Justice Captain Training, hosting volunteer signature collector training for statewide ballot initiatives related to public school funding and utility costs.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Linc Up competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids: Established Grand Rapids nonprofit combining affordable housing development and property management with supportive services for residents. Operates a similar integrated model — housing plus services — in overlapping West Michigan neighborhoods.
- Family Promise of Grand Rapids: Grand Rapids nonprofit focused on family housing stability and self-sufficiency through shelter, prevention, and stabilization programs. Comparable nonprofit structure and community-development orientation in the same West Michigan service area.
- Habitat for Humanity of Kent County: Local Habitat affiliate building affordable single-family homeownership opportunities in Kent County. Direct peer on the affordable homeownership side of Linc Up's portfolio, serving similar first-time buyer demographics in the same geography.
- Inner City Christian Federation (ICCF): Grand Rapids-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit housing developer providing affordable rental housing, homeownership pathways, and community revitalization across the same Grand Rapids neighborhoods Linc Up serves. Most directly comparable in mission, geography, and program mix.
Regional players
- Grand Rapids Housing Commission: Public housing authority administering federal public housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs across Grand Rapids. Comparable on affordable housing provision in the same market but operates as a government entity rather than a nonprofit developer.
Broad incumbents
- Mercy Housing: One of the largest US nonprofit affordable housing developers and operators, combining real estate development with resident services. National-scale peer for Linc Up's integrated housing-plus-services model, though operating in many more markets.
- BRIDGE Housing: West Coast-focused nonprofit housing developer producing affordable and mixed-income rental housing combined with resident services. Comparable nonprofit affordable-housing developer with services wrap-around, though geographically distinct.
- Enterprise Community Partners: Major national nonprofit investor and developer of affordable housing, also providing advisory and capacity-building services. Closest analog to Linc Up's fee-based professional services line at national scale.
- Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC): National CDFI financing affordable housing, economic development, and community resilience. Functions as both a peer (operating local programs in many cities) and a likely capital partner for organizations like Linc Up — a key funding ecosystem participant.
Emerging players
- Inner City Muslim Action Network (IMAN): Chicago-based nonprofit integrating affordable housing development with community organizing, workforce development, and arts/cultural programming. Comparable integrated model — housing + workforce + community voice — though operating in a different urban market.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Linc Up social profiles
Digital presenceLinc Up financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Linc Up leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles15 records
Linc Up funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Linc Up M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Linc Up
What does Linc Up do?
LINC UP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community development organization that develops, manages, and provides affordable rental housing and homeownership opportunities, while running workforce support, leadership training, civic engagement, and community event programs for Greater Grand Rapids residents. It also operates a community gallery venue, a podcast, and sells fee-based professional development and consulting services (racial equity training, community engagement, fiscal sponsorship, construction management, and property management) to partner organizations.
Is Linc Up a public or private company?
Linc Up is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Linc Up founded?
Linc Up was founded in 2000. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Linc Up based?
Linc Up is headquartered in Grand Rapids, United States, in the North America region.
How does Linc Up make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Donations and Charitable Contributions are the primary driver. The others are sponsorships, gallery and Venue Rental, affordable Housing Rentals and fee-Based Professional Development Services.
Who are Linc Up's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids, Family Promise of Grand Rapids, Habitat for Humanity of Kent County and Inner City Christian Federation (ICCF). Grand Rapids Housing Commission is listed as a regional player. Broad incumbents are Mercy Housing, BRIDGE Housing, Enterprise Community Partners and Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). Inner City Muslim Action Network (IMAN) is listed as an emerging player.
Does Linc Up have an API?
No public API is recorded for Linc Up.
What industry is Linc Up in?
Linc Up's product category is Affordable Housing Development & Community Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAFAAAB, Residential General Contracting (New Build), with a secondary code of BPAJAHAF, Mixed-Use Community Association Management. Its NAICS code is 813410 and its SIC code is 1520.