Local Association Request for Funding Application
Local associations can request funds to help with their local housing programs here.

Fundraising and Marketing Tips
Available for REALTORS® or REALTOR® associations involved in raising funds for housing needs projects. Learn about many successful ideas to help you raise funds for your projects.

Affordability Awareness Posters
Looking for ways to raise the awareness of housing affordability concerns? The Fort Collins (CO) Association of REALTORS® is offering the use of its posters for your awareness campaign.

Local Association Programs Funded by the Foundation
Six local associations have committed to raise $5000 as part of the 2007 Habitat Challenge and will receive matching grants to their local Habitat Chapter when the funds are raised.  

What are some of the programs that local associations of REALTORS® are providing in their own communities?
The Arizona Association of REALTORS® has 21 affiliated local associations, many of which have housing programs. The following reflect just a few:

• Lake Pleasant Regional Association of REALTORS® (now West Maricopa County Regional Association) coordinates the "Senior Empowerment and Housing Needs Project II, 2005" began in January. Our 12 member volunteer committee consists of REALTORS® , Affiliates and Community Organizations.
  
  With 5000 seniors in Sun City living below the poverty level, the goal of the Lake Pleasant Regional Association of REALTORS® is to preserve low income homeownership, to revitalize the neighborhoods, and provide a safe environment while allowing the home owners to maintain their dignity and independence.
  
  Our first step was to develop an application process to reach the community (see attached) and where to distribute them. They were distributed through senior centers, hospitals, fire department, library, homeowners associations, banks, churches, thrift store, new agent orientation manuals, civic organizations and real estate offices. A deadline for receiving the completed applications was May 30, 2005. Any work, other than safety issues, would be completed in conjunction with "National Make a Difference Day" on October 22, 2005.
  
  Our second step was financial. Our fundraising chair sent letters to each broker requesting one person from their office willing to work as a liaison between the committee and their office. A donation letter was created for REALTORS®, affiliates and vendors. The form for REALTORS® allowed them the opportunity to devote a dollar amount from each real estate transaction to the project. Each homeowner would receive a thank you letter from LPRAR informing them that a donation was made on their behalf by their REALTOR®. Donation letters were mailed to the Westside Food Bank, United Way, Elks Lodge, Knights of Columbus, AARP, Foundation for Senior Living, American Red Cross, Rotary, Habitat for Humanity and the Lions Club. To date we have received $7000 from individual REALTORS® and an additional $27,500 in donations from brokers, affiliates and civic organizations.
  
  In April we began a publicity campaign by inviting two local newspapers to our monthly meeting, writing articles for the Chamber of Commerce and the LPRAR Newsletter. REALTORS® began including information about the project in their individual advertising, using sign riders stating they were a "Proud Supporter of the Senior Housing Project," information distributed at open houses, and adding information to their web page. A letter was sent to Governor Napolitano inviting her to join us on “National Make a Difference Day.”
  
  For every application received, the Sun City Fire Department met with each homeowner to perform a Safety Survey. Any applicant that was in need of grab bars, smoke detectors, or accessible ramps was given immediate priority. We have received 30 applications requesting our services for painting, landscaping, and small home repairs. Site visits have been made to each home to determine the scope of work and the number of volunteers required to complete the job. We are in the process of sending letters to each homeowner congratulating them on being selected for this years project.
  
  The project has received recognition from USA Today, NAR, American Society of Associated Executive, and Governor Napolitano.
  
  Contact for program information:
  Name: Laura Palmer
  Firm: Award Realty
  Address: 10001 W. Bell Road
  Phone: 623-225-5652 Fax: 623-537-7332; Email: CallLauraPalmer@cox.net
   

  Senior Empowerment Program Sample Documents

  • Sample REALTOR® Volunteer Sign Up Sheet
  • Sample donation form for REALTOR® on behalf of client
  • Sample Certificate of Appreciation
  • Sample request for affiliate donation
  • Sample request for agent donation
  • Sample golf tournament flyer
  • Sample letter to buyer disclosing donation in their name
  • Sample application for assistance
  • Sample letter to seller disclosing donation in their name
     
• Prescott Area Association of REALTORS® holds fundraisers and regularly contributes to Habitat for Humanity. Contact: Karla Roberts, 928-778-7390
   
• Scottsdale Area Association of REALTORS® has donated funds to the “One Scottsdale Project”; made a three-year financial commitment to financially support Habitat for Humanity Desert Foothills; supports the national “Make A Difference Day” on October 23 by distributing “Lockboxes for Seniors”; will continue to work with Fannie Mae to sponsor a homeownership roundtable and mini-fair for 2005; and will support and participate in the upcoming “Housing Arizona’s Workforce” program. Contacts: Holly Eslinger, 480-505-6300; Ron Roberts, 480-348-3970; and Jobi Rosen, 480-451-1000
   
• Sedona/Verde Valley Association of REALTORS® conducts ongoing homebuyer seminars, with between 35-65 attending; participates with the Department of Housing by providing information about the Homes for Arizonans downpayment assistance program, which allows them to offer training classes, are a pre-requisite for applying for the program in Cottonwood. Future plans include planning for lockboxes for the elderly, repairs for low-income and elderly, and working with Habitat for Humanity. Contact: Mary Cravets, 928-634-9536
   
• SouthEast Valley Regional Association of REALTORS® participates with Habitat for Humanity; involved with Life Skills Education in the Tempe schools; participates in Helping Homeless Vets. Contact: Deanna Kiester, 480-777-5900
   
• Tucson Association of REALTORS® conducts home buyer seminars monthly at different locations throughout Tucson. Contact: Cheryl Terpening 520-886-8282
   
• White Mountain Association of REALTORS® contributed funds to the Arizona REALTORS® Housing Needs Foundation. Contact: Arthur Crozier, 928-369-4000