Program Related Investment (PRI) Regional Strategy

To advance a PRI strategy to increase the availability of low-cost capital that could accelerate projects and complement philanthropic dollars across the Northern Forest region, The Center is partnering with Coastal Enterprises, Inc., and working with private and community foundations to:

• Engage partners to discuss the role of PRI funds for both foundations and Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs), and how to increase or augment the flexible capital available to advance sustainable business development in the Northern Forest;
   
• Convene the partners to meet and learn from other foundations or consultants that have worked in this area and can advise on practical application of a regional PRI approach;
   
• Identify specific emerging needs for capital that will drive the demand for CDFI lending/investing using PRI funds in the region;
   
• Identify specific data and information to increase the use of PRIs by community and private foundations; and
   
• Identify gaps in the financing field in the region and determine how to fill the gaps using existing entities and stakeholders when available.

Read a summary of the PRI strategy.