Creating a thriving and welcoming Northern Forest region sustained by innovation and environmental stewardship requires investment in our communities and economy. In our role as an investment partner for the region, the Center cultivates new financial support for the region and leverages those funds for even greater investment.

Since 2015, we have helped to secure and leverage $233 million for forest conservation, community development and new sustainable economic uses of the forest. We work with public and private funders to create coordinated regional investment approaches to shared regional challenges and opportunities.

Our integrative approach has informed investment strategies at USDA Rural Development, the Northern Border Regional Commission, and at the state level.

In addition to public funds, the Center raises philanthropic contributions to fund our work directly and to support collaborative projects we manage, as well as for projects managed by communities or other organizations that align with our mission. The Center’s annual program spending typically generates a six-fold investment in the region.

Non-public funding includes traditional donations from individuals, businesses, and foundation grants, as well as impact investing. Impact investment funds enable investors to put their money to work to achieve both a financial return on their investment and community benefits generated by the investment project.