GMAR Foundation



When REALTORS® Get involved in their Communities, #Greater Things Happen!


The Greater Metropolitan Association of REALTORS® Foundation provides financial assistance through various grant programs for property disaster relief and disability-adaption projects to individuals, families, and non-profit agencies. Benevolent funding assistance is also available to help with various costs associated with extreme financial hardships, due to prolonged illness, a catastrophic event or accident, or similar occurrence beyond the control of the party receiving the assistance. The GMAR Foundation relies entirely on donations to exist and help members. The GMAR Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so contributions from all sources are tax-deductible.

 

Donate today

 

OUR CURRENT CHARITABLE CAMPAIGN

Motor City Mitten Mission

 
Motor City Mitten Mission LogoAs part of its commitment to philanthropy, The Greater Realtors® Foundation partners with local organizations to support fundraising and events. This year, we have partnered with Motor City Mitten Mission.

Motor City Mitten Mission (MCMM) is a beacon of kindness and support for people facing homelessness and food insecurity. MCMM provides meals, essential items, and connections to critical care programs. But what sets them apart is their face-to-face approach, meeting people where they are and delivering services with empathy and understanding. One of their most unique projects is the Mats & Pillows initiative. Volunteers recycle plastic bags to create sleeping mats and pillows, offering a durable and sustainable solution for those who spend nights outside. This project not only provides much-needed comfort but also involves the community in a hands-on way of giving back. Another highlight of MCMM’s work is the MCMM Second-Hand Boutique. Operated by dedicated volunteers, this boutique’s sales support all MCMM programs. Every dollar spent here directly funds efforts to improve lives, making it a win-win for donors and patrons alike.

  • Community Partner Donor:

    $10,000+ donation
    Biggest name and logo with link through on website to your company website. Inclusion on Rack Cards both large and small, donation envelopes, and in any online marketing for the foundation. Press release highlighting your involvement with the Foundation. Speaking opportunities at Foundation events. 6 complimentary tickets to Annual Fundraising Event event. 2 tickets to any GMAR networking event. Plaque and office presentation as well as a video for marketing purposes. Table donor signage at Foundation events.

    Patron Donor:

    $5,000+ donation

    Medium name and logo with link through on website to your company website. Press release highlighting your involvement with the Foundation. Plaque and office presentation. 4 complimentary tickets to Annual Fundraising Event. Table donor signage at Foundation events.

    Champion Donor:

    $2,500+ donation

    Medium name and logo with link through on website to your company website. Press release highlighting your involvement with the foundation. Plaque. 2 complimentary tickets to Annual Fundraising Event. Table donor signage at Foundation events.

    Greater Neighbor Donor:

    $1,000+ donation

    Small name with link through on website to your company website. Press release highlighting your involvement with the Foundation. Plaque and photo option.

    Friends of the GMAR Foundation Donor:

    $500-999 donation

    Your Name on the website

     

  • Jane Lowell, President
    "I have always given back to my community. As a REALTOR®, it is even more important. Our community is our home, and I believe it is our duty to enhance it in every way possible; for me, it is to serve and give. I am honored to be a part of the GMAR Foundation."

    Teri Spiro, Vice President
    “It is an honor and privilege to serve on the Board of Directors of the GMAR Foundation. It never ceases to amaze me how impactful the REALTOR® involvement in our communities truly is! I look forward to helping this wonderful organization continue its incredible work.”

    Vickey Livernois, CEO & Secretary

    Lisa Blake, Board of Director

    Debra DeAngelo, Board of Director

    Melissa Degen, Board of Director

    Jonathan Dewindt, Board of Director

    Scott Galloway, Board of Director

    Erica Kohler, Board of Director

    Sara Maddock, Board of Director

  • In May 2020, the Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors® Donated $40,000 to the Foundation. With this donation, in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic and the hardship it had placed on many businesses and individuals, the GMAR Foundation Board of Directors quickly voted to approve the Realtors® Helping Realtors® Benevolent Fund.

    The Realtors® Helping Realtors program is designed to give assistance to any eligible individual, couple or family who is in need and fits our criteria. Economic strain can strike anyone for reasons outside of their control. Members who find themselves in such situations are encouraged to seek assistance. Please see below for eligibility requirements and application information.

  • Realtors® Helping Realtors® 

    The GMAR Foundation provides financial assistance to GMAR members and their families during temporary periods of financial difficulty.  

    The Realtors® Helping Realtors® program is designed to give assistance to any eligible individual, couple or family who is in need and fits our criteria. Economic strain can strike anyone for reasons outside of their control. Members who find themselves in such situations are encouraged to seek assistance. Please see below for eligibility requirements and application information. 

    Eligibility Requirements: 

    • Any present member who has maintained membership in good standing for at least 12 consecutive months preceding the application. 

    Maximum Annual Disbursement per Member: 

    • The funds of any recipient shall not exceed $500.00 during any 12-month period. 

    Basis for Requesting Assistance:  

    • Applications for assistance must be for a specific basic need and be accompanied by proper documentation that the person receiving the assistance from the Fund is suffering severe financial hardship.
    • The extreme financial hardship must be related to circumstances beyond the control of the party receiving the assistance.

    Types of Realtors® Helping Realtors®  Assistance:

    The following are needs or circumstances under which financial assistance may be issued from the program: 

    • Living expenses
    • Medical expenses that exceed insurance coverage
    • Mortgage or rent payment assistance for individuals who may not be afforded a forbearance option from their mortgage company, with confirmation that this option has been denied.
    • Normal living expenses which are unable to be covered by other available government funding programs, such as groceries and prescription medication. 

    Approval Process & Procedures: 

    • Upon a complete application submission via the website, at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Greater Realtors® Foundation Board meeting, a review will take place to ensure the above-mentioned criteria is met and funding is available. 
    • Upon approval of the application, payment will be made to the vendor listed on the application – payment is never made directly to the member. 
    • Checks are mailed using the online payment system and will take 7-10 days for processing.
    • Once the check has been submitted through the GRF processing system, only a confirm of payment sent can be confirmed with the member. 

     

    Although not all inclusive, below is a list of needs that may NOT be met by the Benevolent Fund:

    • Pay off credit card debt (exceptions can be made when an individual has had to use a credit card in case of an emergency)
    • Court costs, legal fees and restitution
    • Penalties related to late payments or irresponsible actions
    • Business ventures, investments or second homes (anything that brings financial profit to the individual applying)
    • Private school fees or tuition

    Application Process:

    • Complete and submit the Realtors Helping Realtors application
    • Applicant must provide a letter of explanation detailing need for assistance
    • The GMAR Foundation Board of Directors meets to review, approve or deny the application. In some instances, additional information may be requested from the applicant

    All information, including the identity of applicants, is confidential.

    Disbursement of Funds:

    The applicant will be notified by staff of decision. If approved, checks will be sent to the vendors to whom the applicant owes money. No money is ever given directly to the applicant.

    Apply for the GMAR Foundation Benevolent Fund

  • The GMAR Foundation offers a variety of methods to contribute and donate to our charities. Every penny counts! For direct donations, PayPal is the preferred method.

    Donate Today via PayPal

    Sign up for Kroger Community Rewards 
    No additional cost - donations made every time you shop!

    GoodShop
    Every purchase you make using GoodShop earns towards an annual donation to the GMAR Foundation

  • Hundreds of amazing feats start with an idea. The Greater Realtors® Foundation is one of them. The Foundation has a history...a seed planted that grew into a wonderful, functioning charity with the intent of helping Realtors® and their families that may be in need.