The Real Estate Foundation launches its grants program. Twenty years later, the Foundation has approved over $48 million to non-profit organizations in 122 communities throughout BC

The Foundation approves a grant to West Coast Environmental Law to draft legislation on conservation covenants. This leads to a 1993 legislative change, which allows covenants to be placed on land to protect ecological values. Since then the Foundation has been a strong supporter of environmental stewardship and conservation projects in BC. (Photo: Sheila Harrington)

The Foundation's first capital housing grant goes to the Society of Hope in Kelowna. A significant part of the grants program, non-profit housing projects in BC received $15 million from 1988-2007. (Photo: Hope House)

UBC's James Taylor Chair in Landscape & Liveable Environments undertakes the "Surrey charrette", the first of many sustainable urban design and planning initiatives supported by the Foundation.

The Foundation approves its 15th endowment grant. As of December 31, 2007, total endowments reach $6.7 million. SFU City Program, UBC Real Estate Division, and Douglas College Institute of Urban Ecology are a few of several programs to benefit from endowment funding. (Photo: Gordon Price)

Busy year:

1. Establish new mission statement with a renewed focus on the sustainable use and conservation of land
2. Launch Communities in Transition program
3. Create Vancity/Real Estate Foundation Green Building Grant Program with partner, Vancity Credit Union
4. Support first BC Land Summit

The Foundation approves the highest annual grant amount in its history: $6.5 million (13% of all grants approved in 20 years). Continued emphasis on housing, sustainability, and education for real estate practitioners means ongoing demand for Foundation funds.

The Real Estate Foundation marks 20 years of grant making. The Board begins the year by approving $2.2 million in grants. We look forward to ongoing support of and collaboration with many innovative BC organizations.