CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® launches CARES Foundation with $1 million seed commitment

New umbrella foundation unites C.A.R.'s charitable work to expand impact on California communities

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Oct. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) today announced the launch of CARES (give.car.org), a newly established 501(c)(3) foundation that brings together and amplifies the philanthropic efforts of California REALTORS®. With an initial $1 million seed commitment from C.A.R., CARES is positioned to expand the Association's long-standing tradition of service and strengthen communities across the state.

CARES brings together four existing C.A.R. charitable programs ― the Housing Affordability Fund, Disaster Relief Fund, Scholarship Foundation, and Education Foundation. Together, these programs have delivered more than $7 million in direct support to Californians, helping families secure affordable housing, providing relief in times of disaster, opening doors to higher education, and investing in the future of the real estate industry. This impact includes:

• Awarding over $1 million through C.A.R.'s Scholarship Foundation to California students enrolled in a college or graduate program for real estate-related degrees.
• Providing $4 million in closing cost assistance grants through C.A.R.'s Pathway to Home program.
• Providing $2 million in grants to help California REALTORS®, employees of REALTORS®, and Association staff rebuild and recover in the wake of a natural disaster through C.A.R.'s Disaster Relief Fund.
• Providing over $150,000 in education-related grants for REALTORS® and local AORs through C.A.R.'s Education Foundation.

"Every day, REALTORS® make a difference in communities across California," said C.A.R. President Heather Ozur. "With the launch of CARES and C.A.R.'s $1 million seed commitment, we're building a foundation that will expand life-changing programs and shine a spotlight on REALTORS®' generosity and community leadership."

For more than 75 years, these charitable causes have enabled California REALTORS® to shape not only the real estate industry but also the lives of countless Californians. Through C.A.R.'s charitable efforts, REALTORS® go beyond the purchase and sale of homes – they invest in the people and communities that make California strong. REALTORS® have consistently stepped up to expand opportunities, uplift lives, and provide relief in times of crisis. By aligning these causes under one foundation, CARES will empower REALTORS® to broaden their reach and magnify their impact.

The inaugural CARES Board of Directors, composed of REALTOR® leaders and philanthropic champions from across the state, will guide the foundation's vision and long-term impact.

CARES previewed its first Annual Campaign ― officially launching in January 2026 ― at the REImagine!® Conference and Expo in Chula Vista. In addition to C.A.R.'s $1 million contribution, C.A.R.'s Leadership Team, CARES Board of Directors, local Association of REALTORS® and C.A.R. members made personal pledges, bringing total commitments to date to more than $38,000.

"Through CARES, we're broadening the reach of these programs, welcoming support beyond the REALTOR® community, and amplifying the impact we can make together," said CARES Board Chair Karah Shaw.

The pledge program will continue through the end of the year to build momentum in anticipation of the campaign's kick-off. For more information about CARES or how you can get involved, visit give.car.org. For more information on the CARES Foundation or view the inaugural donor list, visit the Meet the Donors page.

About the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Leading the way…® in California real estate for 120 years, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^® (www.car.org) is one of the largest state trade organizations in the United States with 190,000 members dedicated to the advancement of professionalism in real estate. C.A.R. is headquartered in Sacramento.

SOURCE CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.)