Calgary REALTORS to invest $500,000 in housing and shelter in 2024

On May 22, 2024, CREB® announced that the CREB® REALTOR® Community Foundation will award $500,000 in 2024 to local housing and shelter initiatives.

CREB® REALTOR® Community Foundation grants, 2024

The grants

• Community Grants, $105,000: major repairs or renovations to existing housing or shelters to keep people housed.
• Transformation Grants, $45,000: minor renovations that improve housing quality for those who need it most.
• Legacy Grant, $350,000: to Ronald McDonald House Charities, the third payment of a three-year, $1 million agreement for an expansion that will more than double the number of families it can support.

Community and Transformation Grant applications are open until June 28, 2024. Legacy Grant applications open again in 2025.

“Everyone deserves the safety and security of a home,” said Catherine Chow, Chair of the Foundation.

Why it matters

Repairs and renovations keep existing affordable and shelter spaces in use, which matters while Calgary’s rental and resale supply is so tight. Local non-profits working on housing should review the criteria and apply before the deadline.

Compared with 2023

The two open grant programs are larger than last year. In 2023, the Foundation offered $75,000 in Community Grants and $30,000 in Transformation Grants, for a total of $105,000. In 2024, the same two programs offer $105,000 and $45,000, or $150,000 in total, an increase of $45,000. The Legacy Grant is unchanged at $350,000: last year’s payment was the second of three, and this year’s is the third and final one. The $350,000 will be presented to Ronald McDonald House Charities on June 19.

Who can apply and how

The grants are for non-profit organizations that work on housing and shelter in Calgary and area. Community Grants are meant for major repairs or renovations that keep existing housing or shelter spaces in use. Transformation Grants are smaller and pay for minor renovations that improve the quality of housing for the people who need it most. CREB asks applicants to read all requirements and funding criteria before applying; successful applicants will be told on various dates through 2024. Legacy Grant applications will open again in 2025.

In their words

“The positive impact we’re making year-after-year is just amazing,” said Jason Yule, CREB’s Director of Communications and Governance. “CREB REALTORS are deeply invested in making a difference in the area of housing and shelter.” Chow added that all eligible organizations are strongly encouraged to apply.

Why repairs matter in this market

New housing takes years to plan and build. Repairing and renovating existing shelters and affordable units is often the fastest way to keep beds and homes available. That matters in Calgary right now: CREB reported only 2,711 homes for sale in April 2024, half the usual level for the month, and the City has said that one in five households cannot afford their housing.

The Ronald McDonald House expansion

The Legacy Grant is the largest part of this year’s total. Over three years, the Foundation has committed $1 million to Ronald McDonald House Charities for an expansion that will more than double the number of families it can support. The house gives families a place to stay near the hospital while a child receives medical care. With this third payment, the full commitment will be delivered, and the Foundation said it will accept new Legacy Grant applications in 2025.