GREENVILLE, S.C. – Attainable housing in rural communities, forestry jobs and uses for low-value wood are the focus of three awards totaling $3.5 million for the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Community’s (Endowment) first-ever mission related investments. “Mission-related investments enable the Endowment to support the health and vitality of the nation’s working forests and forest-reliant communities while safeguarding our capital and generating positive financial returns,” explained Pete Madden, president and chief executive officer of the Endowment. “By allocating a small portion of our funds typically invested in traditional stocks and bonds, we are strategically investing in businesses and funds that directly benefit forestry and rural communities.” …In 2021, the Endowment’s Board of Directors approved a pilot program to explore expanding the organization’s impact through mission related investments. The Endowment engaged the consulting firm Gordian Knot Strategies to guide the process and in 2022, the Board approved funding for the inaugural mission-related investments.