End of Year Message

Dear Valued Partners and Grantees,

As we wrap up 2024, I want to express my sincere gratitude for the ongoing support, collaboration and trust that you have shown the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities. This year has been a remarkable one, filled with new milestones and initiatives that further our mission to support working forests and forest-reliant communities across the country.  

A Year of Growth and Impact 

2024 marked a major milestone with the launch of the Endowment’s Impact Investing Program. The first round of this initiative resulted in $3.5 million invested in three companies that are contributing to sustainable forestry and forest products. Building on this success, we are excited to announce that round two of the program will seek to deploy up to $6.5 million in 2025. These investments will target companies, funds and projects that create systemic, transformative and sustainable benefits for the health and vitality of our nation’s working forests and forest-reliant communities. This continued focus on mission-related investments reflects our commitment to both safeguarding our capital and driving meaningful, long-term change in the forestry sector. 

We also celebrate an exciting partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service. Together with our partners, including the Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Network (SFLR), Khuba International and mano-Y-ola, LLC, we received a $20 million award aimed at providing underserved forest landowners with equitable access to emerging markets. This will foster landscape-scale impacts and advance our commitment to ensuring that all communities benefit from the opportunities that working forests offer. 

Leadership and Partnerships 

At the same time, we continue to strengthen the leadership that guides our organization. We are excited to welcome William Crawford and Deborah Spalding to our board of directors. Their experience and dedication will be invaluable as we work together to chart new paths for our mission. I also want to take a moment to thank outgoing board members Mark Reed and Cris Stainbrook for their outstanding service. Their contributions have been instrumental in shaping the Endowment’s success, and we wish them well in their future endeavors. 

Looking Ahead 

As we look toward 2025 and beyond, we remain focused on our long-term mission to create a more sustainable future for forests and communities alike. With innovative investments, new leadership and a growing network of committed partners, we are well-positioned to take on the challenges ahead and continue making a lasting, positive impact. 

On behalf of the entire team at the Endowment, I thank you for your ongoing partnership. Together, we will continue to advance the health of our forests and the well-being of the communities that rely on them. 

Wishing you a joyful and prosperous holiday season. 

Warm regards, 

Pete Madden 
President and CEO 
U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities