WholeTrees Structures, a national leader and unrivaled expert in engineering unmilled timber for commercial construction, announced a $1 million investment from the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities as part of the Endowment’s inaugural mission-related investment (MRI) program.
This funding from the Endowment will enable WholeTrees Structures to grow its sales force and expand its nationwide production capabilities, including reopening a forest products facility in Northern Maine to meet increased market demand for Solid Structural Timber (SST).
The U.S. Endowment’s MRI program supports innovative companies that align with the Endowment’s mission to bolster rural forest economies while addressing critical environmental challenges. And this decision to utilize MRIs represents a larger investment trend over the last decade for family and independent foundations and endowments.
The funding allocated to WholeTrees Structures will drive the company’s growth and continue its mission to improve the economic viability of forests and woodland communities while creating a restorative model for the commercial construction industry.
As a woman-owned B Corp founded in 2007, WholeTrees has pioneered the commercialization of round timber, historically undervalued in construction markets. By developing innovative intellectual property around sourcing, grading, and fabrication, WholeTrees has positioned itself as a leader in sustainable building materials.
In the past 17 years, the company has used grant funding to refine its processes and bring its products to market, consistently demonstrating a commitment to environmental, social, and economic returns.
This $1 million investment from the U.S. Endowment will catalyze WholeTrees Structures’ continued growth. The company recently expanded its production capabilities, particularly by re-opening a previously dormant forest products facility in partnership with Seven Islands Land Company, the State of Maine, and other stakeholders.
This new facility is projected to produce three times the volume of its original Wisconsin facility by 2028, meeting the demand from East Coast architects and owners for regionally sourced timber. This funding will also build market confidence in SST, which is in strong demand for commercial construction and represents a high-value use of timber sourced from well-managed forests. The impact of this will benefit forest-reliant communities nationwide.
WholeTrees’ journey to secure this investment reflects the untapped potential within the forest products industry. Despite the company’s growth, profitability, and numerous industry awards, the company acknowledges that raising equity for sustainable timber products is challenging. The investment from the U.S. Endowment marks a turning point for the company, positioning WholeTrees to attract additional investors who share a commitment to triple-bottom-line returns—economic, social, and environmental.
As WholeTrees Structures continues to grow, it will seek to raise further equity, expanding its impact and showcasing timber’s potential as a leading material in sustainable construction.
KEY QUOTES:
“These investments strike at the heart of significant challenges faced by rural, forest-rich communities.”
-Pete Madden, President and CEO of the Endowment
“This mission-related investment is transformative for us. It not only provides crucial funding but also validates the importance of sustainable forestry practices in addressing climate challenges. With this support, we can scale our operations and continue to innovate in the timber construction sector, contributing to healthier forests, rural job creation, and a greener future.”
-Amelia Baxter, CEO of WholeTrees
