To be instrumental in building and leading an agile, adept and respected real estate industry in Alberta that values continuous learning, informed consumers and community service.
The Alberta Real Estate Foundation supports and originates initiatives that enhance the real estate industry and benefit the people of Alberta.
The Alberta Real Estate Foundation was established in 1991 to enhance the real estate industry and benefit the people of Alberta. Created under the Real Estate Act after years of discussion between industry leaders and officials in the provincial government, the Foundation started making an impact right away by funding initiatives to help educate and train real estate professionals. Over the years, we have broadened our scope to fund hundreds of diverse projects in five different areas:
We increase the ecological quality of our communities with better understanding around changing land use patterns, growth pressures, energy efficiency and water management issues.
We support research or projects that address how to access environmental housing options and innovative approaches to improve affordability.
We increase public dialogue and policy development around real estate professional practices and land use issues.
We support projects, practices and ideas that encourage experimentation with the goal of creating new ways of realizing community potential and character within Alberta.
The Foundation is funded by real estate transactions across the province. When a home buyer deposits money in trust through a real estate broker, the interest that’s earned on the deposit is accumulated and forwarded to the Foundation for reinvestment in Alberta’s communities. The Real Estate Act states that the Foundation’s purpose is to promote and undertake:
For the Alberta Real Estate Foundation, investing in the people of Alberta is an evolving process. We strive to make purposeful investments that make a real difference for the Real Estate industry and for all Albertans. Successful community investment is a balance of art and analysis. The Foundation is continually learning and adapting its community investment strategies to ensure that funding awarded contributes to our guiding principles and creates successful results for the organizations and communities that collaborate with us on projects.
The Alberta Real Estate Foundation’s 2016-2017 Annual Report is now available for viewing. Highlights include:
Click front cover to open PDF of Annual Report
Click front cover to open PDF of Annual Report
Click front cover to open PDF of Annual Report
Click front cover to open PDF of Annual Report
Click front cover to open PDF of Annual Report
The Alberta Real Estate Foundation was created in 1991. It is the result of industry leaders and Provincial government officials coming together to establish the beginnings of a fund that focuses upon the achievement of Real Estate excellence in Alberta.
The early years of the Foundation focused upon funding initiatives related to education and training for professionals in the Real Estate industry. Over the years, the Foundation has evolved and expanded its focus to benefit the industry and people of Alberta.
The Foundation has accomplished many things in its history. This timeline highlights some of our achievements from the very beginning:
| Investing in Community Innovation (2018-2019) Jim Saunders, Chair | The Foundation continues to invest in innovative initiatives that will strengthen communities across the province. |
| Strengthening Albertan Communities (2017-2018) Brent Alexander, Chair | The Foundation works to invest in innovative initiatives that will strengthen communities across the province. |
| Foundation Awareness (2015-2017) Charlie Ponde, Chair | The Foundation celebrates its 25th Anniversary and introduces Community Innovation as an area of interest. The Foundation works to raise awareness amongst the Real Estate Industry and Albertans. |
| Advancing Collaboration (2013-2015) Gary Willson, Chair | Interest rates remain at an all time low and our grant program has been stable. The Foundation is increasing its reach through collaboration with Industry and Communities. |
| Renewal (2011- 2013) Jay Freeman, Chair | Interest rates are at an all time low and the Foundation is finding creative ways to continue to make a strong impact in Alberta communities. |
| Reduced Revenue (2009-2011) Les Phillips, Chair | The Foundation continues to work with financial institutions to implement minimum interest rates on trust accounts payable to the Foundation. |
| Going Green (2007-2009) Tim Walsh, Chair | The Foundation encourages innovation in land stewardship and environment initiatives. |
| Moving Forward (2005-2007) Lorne Clarke, Chair | The Foundation is moving forward and offers funding in the areas of: i) affordable housing ii) professional and consumer education iii) land-use and environment and iv) research and innovation. |
| Supporting the Industry (2003-2005) Dallas McDonald, Chair | The Foundation encourages research and innovation in real estate and community initiatives. |
| Expanding areas of interest (2001-2003) Marcel Notschaele, Chair | The Foundation expands its support for grants in the area of land use and environment. |
| Exploring New Ground (1999-2001) Janet Willson, Chair | The Foundation introduces support for organizations working to address the critical need for affordable housing in Alberta. |
| Making a Difference (1997-1999) John Anderson, Chair | The Foundation clarifies its mission as “Making a difference. For the Industry. For Alberta.” |
| Supporting Continuing Education for the Industry ( 1995-1997) Wayne Ulrich,Chair | The Foundation supports educational opportunities as self regulation of the real estate and mortgage brokers industries in Alberta creates the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA). |
| Establishing Operations (1993-1995) W. Paul Lefaivre, Chair | The Foundation increases awareness within the industry about its role. |
| Start-up (1991-1993) David Crawford, Chair | The Foundation responded to a growing need for practitioner and consumer education. |
