Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation

FAQS

1. What is the Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation?

The Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation enables and empowers REALTORS® across Ontario to fundraise in support of shelter-related causes in the communities in which they live and work.

This means that you, as part of organized real estate in Ontario, have your very own charitable Foundation supporting shelter-related causes in your community!

The Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation is specifically designed for REALTORS® and real estate boards and associations in Ontario to support registered charities that provide individual Ontarians with a refuge, haven, or other type of protection from the effects of hunger, the elements, abuse, disabilities, and illness.

Together, as organized real estate professionals, we can strengthen Ontario communities through the work of the Foundation.

2. What is the history of the Foundation?

The Foundation was first 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 was renamed to the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) Foundation. Grants were made to a variety of charitable organizations with various mandates across the province. In 1999, the decision was made to focus grants primarily on shelter-based charitable organizations.

In 2006, the name was changed to the Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation. 

And in 2022, the Foundation completed its first-ever strategic planning process. This further clarified our mission, focus, and vision and set out a strategic plan through to 2026.

3. Is the Foundation part of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA)?

While the Foundation is its own separately-registered charity, we receive some funding from the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA). They have been a significant supporter and a consistent champion of the work of the Foundation.

4. How is the Foundation funded?

The Foundation raises funds through events like the Motorcycle Ride for Charity and the Jam with a Past President (both of which are sponsored by various companies), as well as through ongoing programs like the Every REALTOR® Campaign, Express Grants, and Fellowships. We also encourage individuals and real estate boards and association to Host a Fundraiser for the Foundation.

While the Foundation is its own separately-registered charity, we receive some funding from the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA). They have been a significant supporter and a consistent champion of the work of the Foundation.

While not specifically directed at raising funds, we also give out Spirit Awards annually to recognize individuals or boards and associations whom have significantly contributed to the success of the Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation or advanced its goal of assisting organized real estate to support shelter-related charities in Ontario communities. 

5.  How can I get involved?

You can help make a difference in your community! Please consider getting involved in one of these ways.

6. How can I make a donation?

You can make your donation online, over the phone with a Foundation staff member, or by cheque.

7. How much money has the Foundation granted to registered charities?

Over the last 40 years, the Foundation has granted out more than $16 million dollars.

8. How are donations used?

Donations are invested in the Foundation's capital fund to earn interest unless otherwise designated. Interest earned from the capital fund is then granted out to shelter-related causes in Ontario.

9.  How can shelter-based registered charities receive a grant from the Foundation?

Please follow our Grant Process.

10. Who are the members of the Board of Directors and who are your Staff?

The Foundation's 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.

The Foundation currently has three Staff.

11. How is real estate organized in Ontario, and how does this relate to the Foundation?

Many professions form boards or associations to represent the interests of their members. In the real estate profession, this is called 'organized real estate' and it has three levels: Local, provincial, and national.

When a salesperson becomes a member of a local real estate board or association, they automatically become a member of both the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) and the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), and they also may call themselves REALTORS®:

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