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.

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Mission-Related & Program-Related Investments

Since 2010, the CFO’s Mission-Related Investment and Program-Related Investment programs have 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 impact investment 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.

2008

Greene County History Museum: Financing for building fund campaign.

2009

Ozarks Medical Center: Funding gap loan to complete a new emergency room at the hospital in West Plains.

2010

Chadwick Public Schools: Funding gap loan to build a new multi-purpose room for classroom space, activity center and community storm shelter in Christian County.
Cultural Investment Fund: Revolving loan fund for arts organizations to make down payments to book major performers, shows and exhibits.
Gainesville Public Schools: Lease-purchase agreement with USDA and White River Electric Co. for a biomass generator to heat school buildings using wood chips in Ozark County.
Victory Mission: Credit enhancement to the U.S. Department of Education for certifying a credentialed job-training program in Springfield.

2011

Sigma House: Financing for transitional apartments for clients using its alcohol- and drug-dependency servicesin Springfield.
Baird Jordan Valley History Museum: Financing for building fund expenses.

2012

Drury University: Financing for renovation of the Drury on C-Street building on Commercial Street in Springfield, adding classroom and gallery space.
The Kitchen Inc.: Financing to purchase a building for the Rare Breed program serving homeless teens in Springfield.

2017

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

2018

Drew Lewis Foundation: Financing for renovation of the former Fairbanks Elementary School for neighborhood hub and services in Springfield.
Freeway Ministries: Financing to purchase property in Springfield to support clients transitioning out of incarceration.
Licking Public Schools: Lease-purchase loan agreement with USDA for a new HVAC system for Sherman Hill Field House.
Simmering Center: Financing to assist in the purchase of property in Branson.
Springfield Little Theatre: Financing for major structural upgrades and a new HVAC system for the historic Landers Theatre.

2020

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

2021

Watershed Committee of the Ozarks: Financing for start-up expenses related to operating the Fellows Lake Marina.
Springfield Little Theatre: Operations support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Springfield Sister Cities Association: Operations support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Springfield Contemporary Theatre: Operations support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Branson Regional Arts Council: Operations support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gillioz Center for Arts and Entertainment: Operations support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Council of Churches of the Ozarks: Property financing for its new headquarters in Springfield.

2022

Geek Foundation: Temporary bridge loan until state funding was received.
Main Street Joplin: Project line of credit.

2023

SAAB National Headquarters: Temporary bridge loan.

2025

Main Street Joplin: Financing for accessible restrooms and walk-in refrigerator.
Hope Counseling Center: Financing for building purchase in Branson.
Restore SGF: Revolving line of credit.

Loans for public good