#USA #Sacramento #community support #California REALTORS #CARES Foundation

California Association of Realtors Introduces the CARES Foundation

In a significant move for community support and engagement, the California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.) has officially launched the CARES Foundation, backed by a generous initial commitment of $1 million. This newly established 501(c)(3) organization aims to amplify the philanthropic efforts of Realtors throughout California, bringing multiple charitable initiatives under one umbrella to maximize their impact.

The CARES Foundation consolidates four existing charitable programs: the Housing Affordability Fund, Disaster Relief Fund, Scholarship Foundation, and Education Foundation. Collectively, these initiatives have already disbursed over $7 million in direct aid to California residents, providing essential services ranging from affordable housing assistance to educational support for students pursuing real estate-related degrees.

Among the remarkable achievements facilitated by these programs are:

• - Over $1 million awarded to California students through the Scholarship Foundation goaled to support their academic and professional journeys.
• - $4 million dedicated to providing closing cost assistance granted via C.A.R.'s Pathway to Home program, aiding countless families in securing homes.
• - $2 million allocated for grants assisting Realtors and their staff in rebuilding and recovering from natural disasters through C.A.R.'s Disaster Relief Fund.
• - Nearly $150,000 awarded in educational grants focused on enhancing the skills and knowledge of Realtors and local associations.

Heather Ozur, President of C.A.R., expressed enthusiasm about the foundation’s potential to catalyze change. “Every day, Realtors make a difference in communities across California,” she emphasized. “With the launch of CARES and C.A.R.'s $1 million commitment, we're building a foundation that will expand life-changing programs and spotlight the generosity and leadership of Realtors.”

For more than 75 years, these charitable causes have enabled Realtors to influence not just the real estate sector but the lives of many Californians. C.A.R. emphasizes that Realtors don’t merely facilitate property transactions; they also invest significantly in the communities that make up the fabric of California society. The establishment of CARES allows these dedicated individuals to work synergistically, addressing local challenges with a united front.

The foundation will be overseen by an inaugural board comprising Realtor leaders and champions of philanthropy from different regions of California. These members will focus on steering the foundation’s long-term vision and ensuring sustainable community impact.

The first Annual Campaign for CARES is set to launch in January 2026, preceded by a preview during the upcoming REImagine!® Conference and Expo in Chula Vista. To date, with C.A.R.'s initial funding and additional personal pledges from the leadership team and local associations, total commitments have already exceeded $38,000.

Karah Shaw, Chair of the CARES Board, reinforced the foundation’s commitment to expanding its influence, stating, “Through CARES, we're broadening the reach of these programs, welcoming support beyond the Realtor community, and amplifying the positive impact we can achieve together.”

As the year progresses, the pledge program will persist, driving involvement and anticipation for the upcoming campaign. Interested parties eager to learn more about CARES or how they can participate should visit gives.car.org. Further information, including a list of inaugural donors, can be accessed through the Meet the Donors page.

The California Association of Realtors, a prominent advocate for real estate professionalism for over 120 years, remains dedicated to enhancing the renowned Californian real estate landscape while supporting local communities in myriad ways. Headquartered in Sacramento, C.A.R. stands as one of the largest organizations of its kind in the United States, with approximately 190,000 members committed to advancing the real estate profession.