CAR Foundation Welcomes New Board Chair, Announces Grants

The CAR Foundation, the philanthropic and community engagement arm of the Colorado Association of REALTORS®, is beginning 2023 by ramping up community involvement. The Foundation Board recently approved $75,000 in program grants to Colorado nonprofits serving communities with initiatives targeting attainable housing, emergency shelter, homelessness prevention, homebuyer education and down payment assistance.

“Colorado REALTORS® know that stable housing is fundamental to the wellbeing and self-sufficiency of Coloradans and their communities, having been helping our neighbors through the Colorado Association of REALTORS® Foundation for over 30 years. We are honored to continue to fund programs that are moving the needle for Coloradans seeking attainable housing, those struggling with homelessness, and ultimately helping more Coloradans become homeowners,” said Janene Johnson, 2023 CAR Foundation Chair.

Hundreds of Coloradans’ lives will be touched by those grants, which were awarded to organizations in every District, something the Foundation strives to do in each grant cycle.

“The challenges of finding stable housing that Coloradans can afford, preventing homelessness and educating potential home buyers affect our entire state,” said Amy McDermott, CAR Foundation Executive Director. “These grants were a direct result of fundraising support from REALTORS® across Colorado, and it is important that we support organizations in as widely diverse a geographic area as possible.”

With nearly 30 years of experience in real estate and high-profile volunteer roles in her background, Janene Johnson brings expert perspective to the Foundation as 2023 Chair. “Our goals for the Foundation in 2023 are to establish ourselves as the leader in REALTOR® philanthropy,” says Johnson. “To do that, we’ll be looking to expand the education we provide to members and continue our consulting to other states.”

Johnson has served on the Foundation Board since 2019, when she became an ex-officio member due to her role as CAR President-Elect. A past Grand County Board of REALTORS® President and REALTOR® of the Year, she also has a passion for legislative involvement, having served on CAR’s Legislative Policy Committee.

In her free time, Johnson enjoys hiking around Winter Park and Fraser, skiing, and spending time with her family.

Look for multiple opportunities to get involved in the CAR Foundation’s mission in 2023. The Colorado’s Heart Award, launched in 2021, will again invite applications from REALTORS® who give back to their communities by volunteering, donating, or holding leadership positions in local nonprofits. Brenda Case, REALTOR® from Grand Junction, was honored as the 2022 Colorado’s Heart Award winner.

The CAR Foundation’s mission to support safe and attainable housing, advance homeownership for all Coloradans and provide housing related disaster assistance continues to transform lives thanks to the support of REALTORS® and industry partners. Learn more by viewing the Strategic Plan.