Promoting Quality of Life with the Real Estate Foundation of BC

As part of BCREA's commitment to promoting Quality of Life throughout the province, we follow an approach that is based around five principles: ensuring economic vitality, providing housing opportunities, preserving the environment, protecting property owners and building better communities.

This approach aligns well with the work of the Real Estate Foundation of BC (REFBC), a philanthropic organization that provides financial support for real estate-related projects, such as public and professional education, law reform and research. Since it was established in 1988, REFBC has approved more than $75 million in funding for projects all across the province.

REFBC's funding come from the interest that accrues on deposits held in brokerage trust accounts. This income amount varies depending on the amount of real estate transactions, and interest rates. To help sustain their operations, REFBC invests some of their funds using external fund managers who follow a strict environmental, social and governance investment criteria.

Among the recent grants REFBC has funded are Professional Development Program support for several member boards, a consumer education campaign for the Real Estate Council of British Columbia, and policy reviews on non-resident property ownership for the Real Estate Institute of BC.

For more information on the REFBC grants and initiatives, visit their website.