U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities Opens Second Round of Impact Investing Program
Up to $6.5 Million Available with March 11, 2025, Proposal Deadline
The U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities (Endowment) has officially released a request for proposal (RFP) for the second round of its Impact Investing Program, with up to $6.5 million in funding available.
The Impact Investing Program aims to drive measurable social and environmental impact alongside financial returns by supporting sustainable forestry practices, economic resilience in rural, forest-reliant communities and innovation within forest-based markets.
More information on the program is available here: www.usendowment.org/impact-investing.
An informational webinar will be held on Wednesday, January 15 at 12 p.m. PST for interested parties to learn more about the Impact Investing program and the RFP process.
Key Dates:
Informational Webinar: Wednesday, January 15 at 12 p.m. PST
Initial “Pre-Screen” Submittal Deadline: Wednesday, February 5 by 5 p.m. PST
Final Submission Deadline: Thursday, March 13 by 5 p.m. PST
Decision Notification: Late April
The program focuses on three primary areas:
- FORESTS: Support working forests and the use of sustainable forest management practices for the health and retention of U.S. forests.
- COMMUNITIES: Work with trusted partners within rural forest-reliant communities to build economic prosperity and resilience.
- MARKETS: Support forest industry processes and products, both traditional (e.g., paper mills, sawmills) and emerging (e.g., biochar, carbon).
The first round of the Endowment’s Impact Investing Program resulted in $3.5 million invested in three companies contributing to sustainable forestry and forest products. Round two seeks to deploy up to $6.5 million in 2025 through impact investments in companies, funds or projects that advance systemic, transformative and sustainable benefits for the health and vitality of our nation’s working forests and forest-reliant communities.
Gordian Knot Strategies, a consulting firm specializing in strategic climate solutions, is supporting the Endowment in scaling the Impact Investing Program’s reach and effectiveness. The RFP can be viewed here: gordianknotstrategies.com/impactinvestingprogram.
About Gordian Knot Strategies:
Gordian Knot Strategies (GKS) is a leading consulting firm specializing in strategic climate solutions. We provide advisory and project management services to a global clientele interested in climate finance, impact investing, carbon asset development, and go-to-market strategies. To learn more about Gordian Knot Strategies, please visit our website at gordianknotstrategies.com.
About the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities:
The U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities is a not-for-profit public charity collaborating with partners in the public and private sectors to advance systemic, transformative, and sustainable change for the health and vitality of the nation’s working forests and forest-reliant communities.
For more information contact:
Aleta Rogers, aleta@usendowment.org
