CAR Foundation Update

Over 30 Years, the Foundation Has Invested More Than $8 Million in Colorado Communities

As the philanthropic arm of CAR, the Foundation’s mission is to support safe and attainable housing, advance homeownership and provide housing related disaster relief.

Turning 30 is an exciting milestone, and the CAR Foundation made a splash to celebrate its 30th year in 2021. At its inaugural fundraising reception, held at the CAR 100 Year Celebration and sponsored by REcolorado and FirstBank, the Foundation met its goal by raising $100,000, with which it plans to make $100,000 in grants to qualified nonprofits. Nearly 300 guests enjoyed networking, a high-end silent auction, exuberant live auction and presentation of the first-ever Colorado’s Heart Award. Thank you to the many donors and supporters who attended and contributed – with your support, the lives of thousands of Coloradans will be impacted!

As the philanthropic arm of CAR, the Foundation’s mission is to support safe and attainable housing, advance homeownership and provide housing related disaster relief. Read on for a recap of the CAR Foundation’s year. Over 30 years, the Foundation has invested more than $8 million in Colorado communities.

Under the leadership of Chair Deborah Shipley of REcolorado and Executive Director Amy McDermott, who joined the Foundation in January 2021, the CAR Foundation undertook ambitious goals. In April, the Foundation launched its first ever Impact Report, telling the story of the thousands of Coloradans who were helped by the Foundation in 2020 – more than $350K was invested in Colorado communities, which is a greater than 600% increase from previous years. The increased grantmaking tells a compelling story about the positive impact YOU, our Colorado REALTORS®, continue to have on communities across the state. In 2020, the Foundation touched 4,735 lives – and counting.

The Foundation Board embarked on a full Strategic Planning process and approved a 3-5 year Strategic Plan in April. You can read the plan here. Significant operational systems have been put into place that will keep the Foundation stable for the future, including written financial, investment and spending policies; donor database software to track contacts and donations as well as escrow interest and a fully online electronic grant application integrated into the donor database.

Additionally, the Board implemented a new committee structure consisting of Engagement, Governance, Finance and Fundraising Committees.

Also in 2021, the Foundation launched the Colorado’s Heart Award to recognize REAL-

Colorado Heart Award Winner Matt Robbins with Deborah Shipley

2021 NAR Good Neighbor Award Winner: Bob Bell At the Auction: Justin and Piper Knoll At the Auction: Scott Matthias, Chris Djourp

TORS® around Colorado who give back to their communities by volunteering, donating, or leading local nonprofits. The response to a call for nominations was tremendous. A committee consisting of Debra Parmenter, James Pacheco (both past Good Neighbor Award Winners), Katia de Orbegoso, Beverlee Henry, and Tyrone Adams had their work cut out for them, ultimately naming Matt Robbins, REALTOR® from Gunnison, Colorado, as the inaugural Colorado’s Heart Award winner. Foundation Chair Deborah Shipley and Chair-Elect Katia de Orbegoso presented Robbins with his award at the 100 Year Celebration CAR Foundation Reception on Oct. 18, 2021.

The following REALTORS® were named Colorado’s Heart Award District Finalists:

• Brenda Case, Western District • Tiffany Canady, Southeast District • Sean Dougherty, Northeast District • Bob Bell, Metro District

Applications were submitted to NAR’s Good Neighbor Award on behalf of our winner and District Finalists and we are thrilled to share that the Metro District Finalist, Bob Bell, was chosen as a 2021 judged Good Neighbor Award winner! Learn more here.

Thanks to a $50K matching gift from the Colorado Association of REALTORS®, the Foundation’s 2021 Grant Cycle is currently underway. 15 organizations submitted first round applications and have been invited to submit full applications. Organizations will be evaluated at the final CAR Foundation Board meeting of the year, and funding will take place prior to the end of the calendar year.

Join the impact by making your year-end donation to the CAR Foundation now! With your support, the Foundation will continue its mission to help Coloradans achieve safe and attainable housing, learn about home ownership, and receive housing-related disaster relief. Donate here and receive our iconic heart pin with your $100 donation.

WHAT’S TO COME FOR THE FOUNDATION?

• Board applications are still open and positions are available!

Apply here: • The Foundation will launch an Advisory Group in 2022, welcoming REALTORS®, industry partners, past Directors and potential future Directors who would like to provide guidance and connections for the Foundation. Stay tuned for more information. • The Foundation will release its first-ever full Annual Report in early 2022!

GET INVOLVED

• Become a donor, supporter or connector – introduce us to your network or brokerage. Ensure your brokerage participates in the escrow interest program, by which the

Foundation receives the majority of its funding. • Look for the Colorado’s Heart Award cycle to open again for nominations in Spring 2022