The Alberta Real Estate Foundation invests in real estate* policy, research, practices,
and education that strengthen Alberta’s communities.

* All real estate assets involve land¹. Real estate is real property². This includes the natural resources, minerals, water, growth, and any improvements of real property. The real estate industry is the buying, selling, leasing, development, management and stewardship of real property. Real estate professionals and Albertans may be involved in any of the above activities.

¹ From the REALTORS® Code: “Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. Through the REALTOR®, the land resource of the nation reaches its highest use and private land ownership its widest distribution.”

² From the Real Estate Council of Alberta:
Real Estate Assets: Real estate or real property.
Real Estate or Real Property: Land and fixed improvements to the land. Typically this includes buildings and other site improvements that are fixed in place. This definition is derived from English common law.

Three decades of impact

The Alberta Real Estate Foundation was established in 1991 to advance the real estate industry and strengthen Alberta’s communities. 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.

The Foundation’s revenue is generated by real estate transactions, both sales and rental, across the province. Under the Real Estate Act, whenever a consumer deposits money in trust through a real estate broker, property manager, or commercial broker, the interest that is earned on the deposit is accumulated and forwarded to the Foundation for reinvestment into Alberta’s communities. The Real Estate Act states that the Foundation’s purpose is to promote and undertake:

the education of related professionals and the public in respect of the real estate industry,
law reform and research in respect of the real estate industry, and
other projects and activities to advance and improve the real estate industry.

See Section 64: Foundation’s Mandate

Our Values

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.

Respect

Transparency

Collaboration

Continuous Learning

Annual Report

2022

Click front cover to open PDF Annual Report.

Click here to open the 2021-2022 Alberta Real Estate Foundation Audited Financial Statements

2021

Click front cover to open PDF of Annual Report

Click here to open the 2020-2021 Alberta Real Estate Foundation Audited Financial Statements

2020

Click front cover to open PDF of Annual Report

Click here to open 2020 Alberta Real Estate Foundation Audited Financial Statements

2019

Click front cover to open PDF of Annual Report

Click here to open 2019 Alberta Real Estate Foundation Audited Financial Statements

2018

Click front cover to open PDF of Annual Report

Click here to open 2018 Alberta Real Estate Foundation Audited Financial Statements

2017

Click front cover to open PDF of Annual Report

Click here to open 2017 Alberta Real Estate Foundation Audited Financial Statements

2016

Click front cover to open PDF of Annual Report

Click here to open 2016 Alberta Real Estate Foundation Audited Financial Statements

History and Milestones

In 1991, the Government of Alberta demonstrated characteristic western ingenuity by developing a unique industry-led solution, in collaboration with government and regulators, to ethically serve clients and the public good.

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 invest in real estate policy, research, practices, and education that strengthen Alberta’s communities.

The Foundation has accomplished many things in its history. This timeline highlights some of our achievements from the very beginning:

Strengthening Relationships (November 2021 – Present) Janice Resch, Chair	The Foundation is reconnecting with the real estate industry and the public to support their initiatives and celebrate the projects benefitting Albertans.
Supporting Alberta’s Recovery (January 2020 – October 2021) Doug Leighton, Chair	Alberta is facing significant economic and public health challenges. The Foundation is needed more than ever, and is collaborating with others to leverage financial, industry and community benefits across our province.
Advancing Alberta’s Communities (November 2019 – January 2020) Tash Taylor, Chair	In celebrating our 30 year anniversary, the Foundation will look to broaden our reach to positively impact more communities and enhance the lives of more Albertans.
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 (November 2017 – March 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.

To learn more about the people at the Foundation