In the MAAR Foundation's decade of service, the association and its members have supported community organizations that work to change, enhance and improve the lives of deserving individuals and families seeking crisis housing intervention, transitional housing and homeownership opportunities throughout the Minneapolis area. MAAR has contributed more than $400,000 to charitable organizations since 1988.
The MAAR Foundation is managed by a committee of member volunteers. Foundation Committee members:
Mary Thorpe-Mease (2008 Chair), Steve Dieringer, Maura Kolars, Tracy Wilson, Maari Anderson, Gina Dumas, Greg Lawrence
To show progress for 2008 MAAR Foundation contributions, we did a “Paint This House!” promotion. For every $1,500 collected, the house warmed up with color! We were shooting for $45,000 in order to bring our house up to code and up to date, and we reached our $45,000 goal and then some, allowing us to go beyond paint! We added extra value with topiary in the front and a koi pond in the back. We also built a privacy fence added stone landscaping, a heated gazebo, and a morning sunlight kitchen patio leading to cedar deck. Inside we added a new TV room (with widescreen LCD with HD), travertine in all three bathrooms, a hammered copper oven hood, and a 500-bottle EuroCave wine cellar. The Foundation House is a true beauty! Thank you all for your support!
Thanks to you, we finished our house and added improvements!
The idea of the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS® forming a charitable foundation was first discussed in 1987. Officers, directors and staff felt there was a need for the association to contribute money to housing-related programs within the areas that members live and work. Everyone was enthusiastic about the idea.
The initial amount of money approved by the Board of Directors to start the Foundation was $60,000. It took much of the following year to get bylaws, articles of corporation and federal/state charitable tax approval completed.
In 1988, the first year grants were approved, a total of $4,500 was given to four housing organizations. The Foundation has been moving forward ever since. Total contributions to charitable housing organizations since 1988 are $441,800.
REALTORS® who contribute to the Foundation make a difference in strengthening the lives of individuals and families and in sustaining communities.
Donations made easy: A $10 member contribution can be made to the MAAR Foundation at the time of dues renewal. Look at the allocation of mandatory and optional fees on your dues renewal statement to see how it’s working. Your $10 does make a difference...or $5 semi-annually, $1.20 per quarter; 19 cents a week, or less than 3 cents per day.
If you are interested in making a contribution to the Foundation, contact Donnie Brown at donnieb@mplsrealtor.com or 952.988.3133.
All contributions to the Foundation are tax deductible for Federal and Minnesota tax purposes. Contributions and memorials can be made payable to the MAAR Foundation, Inc. MAAR makes a $50 memorial contribution to the MAAR Foundation in honor of members who were active at the time of their passing.
In 2007, the MAAR Foundation allocated $33,000 to 11 community organizations:
| Crisis Housing |
| Saint Joseph’s Home for Children |
$4,000 |
| Saint Stephen’s Human Services |
$3,000 |
| Supportive and Transitional Housing |
| Division of Indian Works |
$3,000 |
| Cabrini Partnership |
$2,000 |
| The Link |
$2,500 |
| Wayside House |
$3,000 |
| Homeownership Initiatives |
| Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation |
$2,500 |
| Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches |
$2,000 |
| Plymouth Church Neighborhood Foundation |
$3,000 |
| Stairstep Foundation |
$3,000 |
| Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity |
$5,000 |
REALTORS® who contribute to the Foundation make a difference in strengthening the lives of individuals and families and in sustaining communities.
If your organization is interested in receiving grant funding, please review the MAAR Grant Application Policy and Procedures documents below. In general, MAAR’s articles of incorporation state that the proceeds from the Foundation capital fund must be given to housing and housing related programs directed or organized for low-income and families living in counties in the State of Minnesota within the jurisdiction of the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS®. The Association’s jurisdiction includes: Hennepin, Scott, Carver, Sibley and McLeod counties.
For questions or additional information not covered in the Grant Application Policy and Procedures document, contact: Donnie Brown at donnieb@mplsrealtor.com or call her at 952.988.3133. Applications are being accepted now for 2008.
MAAR Grant Application Policy and Procedures
Minnesota Common Grant Application Form
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MAAR supports an organized real estate environment and provides local REALTORS®
with essential market information, educational resources, a trusted networking community,
an effective industry voice and strong leadership for greater professional success. |
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To provide the resources and leadership for REALTORS® to succeed. |
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To be the local real estate resource for a global market. |
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