East Buke in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom.

Webinar Showcases the Power of Impact Investing for Community Benefit

Leaders from three place-based investment funds share how their models are making an impact in the Northern Forest region.

In our webinar on Place-Based Impact Investing – part of our Building the New Forest Future series – we heard from representatives of three impact investment funds, each with different mission and investment objectives, who shared how their funds are driving change in the communities in which they work.

Maura Adams, director of community investment at the Center, facilitated a discussion among the panelists who gave insight into how their funds are deployed for regional benefits. We recorded the discussion for you to listen to – click the link below.

Our panelists were Kristen Sharpless, Director of Development at the Northern Forest Center, Janice St. Onge, President of the Flexible Capital Fund, and Bryan Wentzell, Executive Director of Exemplary Forestry Management.

Mission-aligned investors can bring funds to community projects that may otherwise lack the capital they need to get started. This webinar highlighted three different models of impact investing and how each unique approach is driving mission benefits.

Traditionally, investment focuses on earning a return first – getting the highest possible financial return without consideration of social or environmental impacts. By contrast, impact-first investing seeks positive, measurable, social or environmental impact while also preserving capital and delivering a modest financial return.

Each of the panelists shared how their use of investment capital in their sectors has achieved measurable outcomes for communities and their investors.

Whether you’re an investor, community leader, or just curious about how money can be a force for good, this conversation is for you.

Please share the recording with your network—and help us spread the word about the power of place-based investing.

Impact Investing Builds Community

Learn about impact investment opportunities with the Northern Forest Center

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Building the New Forest Future: Center Webinar Series

Building the New Forest Future is a webinar series that amplifies stories, practices, and lessons from community development, sustainable tourism, and rural economy in the Northern Forest. Read more

Staff Contact

Kristen Sharpless

Director of Development

Cell: 603-568-0347

Rebecca Hession

Donor and Investor Relations Officer

Cell: 603-724-7021