The Center’s Northern Forest Fund has been selected for Transformative 25, a select list of capital funds, banks, and initiatives that demonstrate the power and possibility of integrated capital toward a finance system that works for people and the planet.

“We’re honored to be selected again for the Transformative 25 list,” said Lila Thorne, the Center’s director of philanthropy. “T25 draws attention to new forms of capital and impact investing, which is really important. Most people are not aware that they have the option to invest in funds that can return a financial investment while also achieving the kinds of social goals the investor is passionate about.”

The Transformative 25 (T25) Project, an initiative started by Integrated Capital Investing, announced its third list of selected funds in April. The Northern Forest Fund was also featured by T25 in 2021. The full Transformative 25 – 2023 report and list are available online.

T25 funds employ creative financial tools, generate social, relational, and ecological returns, and engage with ownership and governance for equity.

The Northern Forest Fund uses integrated capital to invest in holistic, community-based projects including downtown property redevelopment, broadband, recreation trails, business development, and community capacity that attract and retain younger people and foster resilient rural communities.

Woman and children in new apartment kitchen.
Resident Kristen Kennet enjoys her new apartment in the Parker J. Noyes building.

The Fund focuses on communities in the Northern Forest region, which spans 30 million acres across New York’s Adirondacks, Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, New Hampshire’s North Country, and the Maine Woods.  

 The T25 Selection Committee includes 19 members from multiple sectors who reviewed a diverse group of funds that drive innovative solutions to wealth inequality, the climate crisis, unbanked entrepreneurs and families, and racial and gender discrimination. The funds provide holistic solutions and business assistance to returning citizens, Native communities, the underhoused, and the underemployed.

“The integrated capital community is one that spreads its wings by teaching others rather than employing a competitive culture,” said Ishita Shah, a member of the T25 selection committee. “That’s the beauty of keeping impact center stage — everyone’s incentive is to spread ideas and approaches to impact, rather than compete on the best fund or greatest financial success.”