1. What is the Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation?

The OREA Foundation was founded as the Canadian Real Estate Board Foundation - Ontario Fund in 1967 as part of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) Foundation. In 1977 the Foundation returned as a provincial organization -- named the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) Foundation. For 22 years, from 1977 to 1999, grants were made to a variety of charitable organization across Ontario. In 1999 the decision was made to focus grant monies primarily to shelter-based charitable organizations. In 2002 the Foundation Board introduced the fellows program to recognize special donors to the Foundation.

Four years later the Foundation celebrated another exciting change. In 2006 the name of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) Foundation changed to the REALTORS® Care Foundation. Since its original inception the Foundation has granted more than $11 million, on behalf of the Ontario Realtors® to shelter-based organizations across the province.

2. How is the Foundation funded?

The Ontario REALTORS® Care Foundation is funded by the Ontario Real Estate Association(OREA) and through our partnerships with various corporations.

In 2004, the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) Directors decided to fund all  administrative costs. That means all donor dollars received by the Foundation is invested, and the interest earned from the investments is allocated to shelter related causes.

3. How much money has the Ontario REALTORS® Care Foundation raised?

Over the last 40 years the Foundation has granted raised more than 16 million dollars for shelter-based organizations throughout the province on behalf of the Ontario REALTORS®.

4. How are grants and donations used?

Donations are invested in our capital fund to earn interest unless otherwise designated. Interest earned from our capital fund is then granted out to shelter related causes.

5.  What is the process to apply for grants?

Grant applications are posted on our website in July for downloading and deadlines are September 30th of each calendar year. Click here to download a grant application.

6. How can I make a donation?

You can make your donation online or over the phone with a Foundation staff member or simply send in a cheque. Click here to make a donation.

7. What is the Foundation fellowship program?

Members of the Ontario REALTORS® Care Foundation fellow program align themselves with the Quality of Life Principles that the OREA Board of Directors have identified and defined as key life principles related to the real estate profession.

Foundation fellows are committed to improving the quality of life in Ontario communities by supporting growth that encourages economic vitality, working to provide the opportunity to have a home and building communities. Click here to learn more about the Foundation fellows program.

8. Who are the members of the Board of Directors?

The Ontario REALTORS® Care Foundation Board of Directors is comprised of 12 dedicated individuals including REALTORS®, Executive Officers and Public Directors.

The Board of Directors shall supervise, control and direct all activities of the Foundation, its publications, the disbursement of its funds, and the determination of its policies.  The Board shall actively pursue the purpose and objects of the Foundation and may adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of its business as they may deem advisable.

9. What is the Every REALTOR®  Program?

Real estate boards and Associations and their members contribute $1 per member per month. The funds raised from this campaign along with other funds raised from other events throughout the year are used to give out grants to shelter based organizations in Ontario.

The Ontario REALTORS® Care Foundation is the legacy of every REALTOR® in Ontario, which is why it is so important for every REALTOR® to make a contribution to their Foundation in support of shelter related causes.

10. What is the Ontario REALTORS® Care Foundation Motorcycle RIDE for Charity?

The Ontario REALTORS® Care Foundation Motorcycle RIDE for Charity is an event where REALTORS®, their family and friends can show their support to motorcycle riders who decide on a destination to ride to each year raising awareness and funds for the Foundation. Anyone is welcome to support this event by pledging a rider. Check out the RIDE page for more information.

11.  How can I get involved?

You can help make a difference in your community. Here are some ways to give and get involved with the Foundation:

• Volunteer to join a committee
• Attend and participate in fundraising events
• Have your own fundraising event in support of the Foundation