Impact Investing

Investments with a “double-bottom line” to improve our communities.

Our Mission-Related and Program-Related Investment programs offer loans for nonprofits and community projects, often at below-market rates. The loan repayments fuel future projects while investing in needs that might not otherwise qualify for financing. That’s why it’s called a “double-bottom line” that benefits all involved.

To finance a new 1.4-mile section of the Fulbright Spring trail north of Springfield, Ozark Greenways turned to the Mission-Related Investment program. The section reclaims, for recreational use, the retired Fulbright Landfill that was designated a Superfund site in 1983. This is only one example of many community projects across the region that were funded through impact investing.

Program-Related Investments

Introduced in December 2020, the Program-Related Investment programs was created due to the unprecedented impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the nonprofit sector. Recognizing that different sectors have been affected differently, this program focuses on nonprofit agencies that weren’t emphasized in earlier COVID-related grant rounds. Specifically, this program will support missions focused on arts and culture; conservation and environment; and animal care and advocacy.

Guidelines

Agency FAQ

Mission-Related Investments

Since 2010, the CFO’s Mission-Related Investment program has financed community projects. The CFO will consider making below-market loans to help finance projects with a public purpose that need funding to close financing gaps, leverage other dollars or don't qualify for traditional financing. Examples of MRI projects include a new emergency room in West Plains, a tornado shelter/community room in Chadwick and a new building to provide services to homeless teens in Springfield.

2009

Ozarks Medical Center: Loan to close financing gap to complete new emergency room for West Plains hospital.

2010

Chadwick Public Schools: Loan to close funding gap to build a new multi-purpose room for classroom space, activity center and community storm shelter in Christian County community.
Cultural Investment Fund: CFO revolving loan fund for arts organizations to make down payments in booking major performers, shows and exhibits.
Gainesville Public Schools: Lease-purchase agreement with USDA and White River Electric Co. for biomass generator to heat Ozark County school buildings using wood chips.
Victory Mission: The CFO offered a credit enhancement to the U.S. Department of Education as required for certifying a credentialed job-training program; this saved Victory Mission the expense of procuring a letter of credit.

2011

Sigma House: Financing for transitional apartments in Springfield for clients using its alcohol- and drug-dependency services.

2012

Drury University: Loan for renovation of Drury on C-Street building on Commercial Street in Springfield to serve as architecture and arts classroom and gallery space.
Rare Breed: Loan to purchase new building for program of The Kitchen, Inc., to serve homeless teens in Springfield; re-paid by donor shortly after purchase.

2017

City of Marshfield: The CFO purchased a downtown bank building to lease to the City for City Hall; the City purchased it after several months of leasing.

2018

Drew Lewis Foundation: Loan for renovation of former Fairbanks Elementary School building in north Springfield for neighborhood hub and services.
Freeway Ministries: Loan to purchase property in northeast Springfield for its service to support clients transitioning out of incarceration.
Licking Public Schools: Lease-purchase agreement with USDA for new HVAC system for Sherman Hill Field House.
Simmering Center: Loan to assist in the purchase of the property being leased in Branson.
Springfield Little Theatre: Loan to support major structural upgrades and new HVAC system for historic downtown Springfield’s Landers Building.

2020

Missouri State University Foundation: Loan to support public-private partnership for expansion of the Jordan Valley Innovation Center in downtown Springfield.
Ozark Greenways: Loan to finance 1.4-mile section of the Fulbright Spring Greenway in northern Greene County.
Salem Memorial Hospital: Lease-purchase agreement with Intercounty Electric and USDA to purchase an MRI machine to improve access to diagnostic testing for residents in four central Missouri counties.

2021

Watershed Committee of the Ozarks: Loan to support start-up expenses for its management of the Fellows Lake Marina.

Loans for public good