
2 minute read
The Real Estate Foundation of BC
There has never been a better time to help people with means understand the importance of giving generously, without restrictions to small and medium-sized organizations whose Staff and
Board reflect the communities they serve; to beyond giving to direct service; to consider the importance of supporting non-profits with their general operating costs and ability to help research, advocate, and engage in the shaping of public policy.
For those individuals who may be thinking about a planned or estate gift, I encourage you to connect with the top-notch, charitable expertise available through Vancouver Foundation or your local community foundation.
With partners like them, we can live, and give, generously. s
The Real Estate Foundation of BC (REFBC) works to advance sustainable land use and real estate practices in British Columbia. To do this, REFBC makes grants to non-profits, connects people and teams across different sectors, and leads on projects that fill gaps in research and collaboration.
REFBC was created in 1985, through an Act of legislation, and began making grants in 1988. Since then, REFBC’s Board of Governors has approved more than $90 million in grants for projects in communities across BC. Grantmaking REFBC’s grants support the applied research, education, and policy analysis needed to advance sustainable practices in five areas. • Land use • Built environments • Fresh water • Food lands • Real estate profession
REFBC grants are open to any non-profit or social enterprise working on projects related to land use or real estate in British Columbia. Eligible organizations include charities, NGOs, trade associations, universities and colleges, First Nations, local governments, and community contribution companies.
A share of REFBC’s grants budget is set aside for projects led by nonprofits that are part of BC’s real estate community. Those grants help fund professional development programs, industry research, consumer education campaigns, and other projects that benefit the public. Revenue When a property is sold in British Columbia, buyers may put down a portion of the sale price as a deposit that a real estate broker, BC Notary, or lawyer will hold in trust until the sale closes. Those deposits are often held in pooled accounts that earn small amounts of interest.
Under the Real Estate Services Act, interest earned on pooled real estate trust accounts is remitted to the Real Estate Foundation. The Foundation uses the money to support projects that strengthen communities, protect land and water, and help real estate professionals serve the public. In turn, the projects make British Columbia a better place to live, work, and invest.
The Notary Foundation of BC and the Law Foundation of BC have similar revenue models. For more information about REFBC’s work, visit refbc.com.
Who Will See Your Ad in The Scrivener?
BC Notaries Lawyers Land Surveyors of BC Real Estate Professionals Real Estate Boards and Associations Age-Friendly Designates MLAs and MPs in BC Life Insurance Brokers and Agents Accountants Managers of Financial Institutions Investment Management Agencies Provincial and Federal Court Judges Registrars Mayors Government Ministries Libraries: Public and Private, including Law Society, Legal Services, Education Facilities Chambers of Commerce BC Housing BC Assessment Ministry of Citizens’ Services: Real Property Division
Winter Advertising Space Deadline November 10, 2020
scrivener@bcnotaryassociation.ca www.bcnotaryassociation.ca