BY ROB RILEY
The Northern Forest region is a place of stunning natural beauty, rich heritage and incredible potential. Yet, for too long, our rural communities have faced challenges like population decline, a lack of affordable housing and limited economic opportunities.
But there is a vision, and practical know-how, being put to work to address these crises. The Northern Forest Center is closing in on our $30 million goal for the Northern Forest Fund — an initiative designed to revitalize the very communities that make our region so special. In many ways, this effort feels like a classic David and Goliath story. Small rural communities across the Northern Forest region are grappling with big challenges: limited housing for younger families, businesses struggling to find workers, lack of time and resources to address issues and a sentiment that young people must leave town to be successful. With the Northern Forest Fund, we have the essential resources to be an active player in standing up to these challenges head-on.
Our goal is a $30 million Northern Forest Fund by the end of the year. We’ve raised $27.6 million so far, thanks to the generosity of 200 donors and 50 investors, and now we’re pushing for the final 8%. It’s no small task, but the impact will be tremendous.
Already, we have work underway or completed on 80 new housing units in places like Millinocket, Greenville and Bethel, Maine; Lancaster, New Hampshire; St. Johnsbury, Vermont; and Tupper Lake and Elizabethtown, New York. These projects are more than just buildings — they represent new life for rural towns, attracting young families and professionals who will help these communities thrive for generations to come.
Our unique approach blends impact investments and philanthropic gifts — $18 million from investors and $12 million from donors — to create a pool of integrated capital. With these funds we’re not only building housing, we’re also improving recreational assets, supporting local businesses, helping towns advance critical projects with additional people power and using regional wood products like mass timber and wood-fiber insulation to promote sustainable and climate-resilient development. This comprehensive approach means we’re tackling multiple issues while focusing on the most significant need of creating more middle market housing affordable to the area’s workforce.
Our work wouldn’t be possible without the support of partners like the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities, which recently contributed $1 million to the Fund, propelling us closer to our goal. As Alicia Cramer, senior vice president of the endowment, said, “There is a very strong interconnection between the health of the forest, the vitality of local communities, and the strength of the forest economy.” This connection is at the heart of what we do.
The Northern Forest Fund isn’t just about numbers — it’s about people. It’s about the young family in Lancaster that now has a home and can fully participate in the community; it’s about the hospital in St. Johnsbury that can finally hire critical care nurses because there’s available housing; and it’s about expanded commerce and activity in downtown Millinocket that is increasing foot traffic and a sense of hope.
Investors are telling us how good it feels to be investing in the places they care about; in towns that feel left behind and in projects that reflect their values. These are the stories that drive us forward.
As we approach the end of this campaign, I’m filled with optimism. The Northern Forest is not just a place to visit — it’s a place where people are connected to their communities and the forest, and are increasingly putting innovative ideas to work. With the help of our donors, investors and partners, we’re making that vision a reality.
To learn more about how you can participate in the Northern Forest Fund and help us reach our goal, visit nfcenter.org/fund. Together, we can ensure that the Northern Forest remains a vibrant, thriving place for generations to come.
Rob Riley is the president of the Northern Forest Center, a nonprofit investment and innovation partner dedicated to revitalizing Northern Forest communities in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York.
