Many real estate agents like to point out how much they are personally involved in the communities they serve. But not all can point to the impressive record of giving back as the real estate professionals who contribute to The Charitable Foundation, the nonprofit organization run by our very own agents of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties.
Over the past 21 years, the 501(c)3 Foundation has generated more than $5 million in donations for organizations that promote health, education, community, and the environment. Each donation is in the form of a grant awarded directly to the beneficiary–with more than 1,000 grants distributed to date.
“With chapters in San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties, The Charitable Foundation’s impact can be seen in the hundreds of lives touched, and the many communities its members are proud to call home,” Foundation Administrator Lisa Wevley said.
“As the Foundation celebrates its 23rd anniversary year, its accomplishments are amplified by reaching the $5 million mark, a goal that seemed almost unimaginable to the board members and volunteers who have worked so hard to improve the lives of people throughout Southern California since its inception on May 16, 1995.”
The Foundation makes it easy for agents and employees who want to uphold The Foundation’s mission of supporting communities and people in need. They can elect to have any percentage of each completed real estate transaction’s commission automatically deducted and donated to the Foundation, or donate any amount at any time by check or cash. With the upcoming launch of The Charitable Foundation’s updated website, anyone–including members of the public–will be able to donate online.
Donations also are received from other sources, including Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties affiliates such as Pickford Escrow and HomeServices Lending. Several of the company’s vendors also lend support by underwriting fundraising events, and chapters have successfully enlisted local businesses to sponsor fundraisers as well.
Over the years, a large number of deserving organizations have been selected by each chapter’s board of representatives to receive grants through The Charitable Foundation. A board from each region meets monthly to review funding applications and award grants. The boards also recruit volunteers for efforts large and small across Southern California and the Central Coast.
A partial list of beneficiaries for 2017 alone includes:
Each chapter typically hosts several fundraising events once or twice a year to benefit local nonprofits. Some are held just for agents and employees to encourage camaraderie among chapter members; others are open to the public as well. Photos and videos of some recent happenings are on The Foundation website’s news and events page.
“If agents or employees work with or know about a deserving nonprofit, and as long as it fits within our guidelines, they are encouraged to submit a donation request form,” Lisa said. Because of their sensitive nature, politically affiliated organizations, religiously affiliated organizations, and private educational organizations are exempt from consideration, she noted.
“When you see the total amount of money that has been contributed, it’s truly amazing,” Foundation Administrative Assistant Janet Iovino said. “I don’t think anybody would have guessed when we started that it would have grown to this level. Our agents deserve all the thanks and congratulations.
“I have friends who are agents at other agencies, and they look at our Foundation and say, ‘Hmm, maybe that’s something we should do.’ The respect The Charitable Foundation has earned throughout our industry is very inspiring.”
To learn how to make a difference in the lives of people in your community, please contact The Charitable Foundation in your region:
Los Angeles County:
Janet Iovino
818-933-2237
jiovino@bhhscal.com
San Diego, Orange, Ventura, and Santa Barbara Counties:
Lisa Wevley
858-792-6085
admin@thecharitablefoundation.net
Are you ready to join an elite brokerage that gives back to communities? Schedule a confidential interview now.
Like what you see here? Sign up for more! Our free e-newsletter informs you of listings in your community, insider real estate tips, the latest in home trends, and more.
Do you have one in the inland empire?