The ABoR Foundation enables our members to invest their energy and expertise to help solve the most pressing issues facing our community.
These are challenging times. But our members — as REALTORS® and as friends, neighbors, and colleagues — are here to help. Every one of our members is a de facto ambassador for our Foundation, because they are actively involved in our community and alert us to challenges that we can work to resolve.
Laser Focus on Community
The ABoR Foundation focuses on housing, education, and disaster relief. We decide where to invest our resources based on three parameters, each of which builds upon the others:
Can we make a measurable and positive change in the community?
Can we make an immediate impact on a specific or critical issue?
Can we transform an individual’s health and happiness?
Since 1978, we’ve invested in hundreds of initiatives that have paid dividends to the Central Texas area in the form of happier people, healthier communities, and new opportunities for our fellow Texans.And when disasters strike, we mobilize support within our membership to contribute hundreds of hands-on hours and tens of thousands of dollars to help those in need.
Local Partnerships
While the Foundation’s efforts have contributed to our area’s viability, sustainability and livability, we know that we can’t go it alone. That’s why many of our projects are the result of long-term partnerships with other local nonprofit foundations. This includes Austin Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together Austin, Family Eldercare, and most recently, a $1 million, 10-year commitment to Community First! Village, a 51-acre master-planned community that provides permanent, supportive housing for men and women coming out of chronic homelessness.
Education
Every year, the Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors and college students based on academic merit, leadership, and financial need. Recipients must live in one of the 18 Central Texas counties ABoR members serve as well as commit to attending a university or college within Texas.In 2020, the ABoR Foundation awarded more than $62,000 to 32 students. Since 1978, we’ve awarded more than 450 scholarships, including more than $300,000 in the last five years.
Give Back Program
When the pandemic reached Central Texas, we created a Give Back Program that allows us to make an immediate difference in challenging times. In 2020 alone, the Foundation has served over 73,000 Austinites and donated $28,000 to the Central Texas Food Bank, Meals on Wheels of Central Texas, Family Eldercare, Front Steps, and Austin ISD. Through our work with these organizations, we have helped to provide:
41,500 meals to families across the region;
3,000 masks to people experiencing homelessness;
17,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to vulnerable children; and
7,000 fans to the elderly for immediate relief from the summer heat.
Get Involved
There are many ways to get involved with the Foundation. Members can contribute their time, energy, expertise, and financial resources at any level that is comfortable for them. Some serve in leadership, while others contribute manpower for specific initiatives. Any member can be involved at any level, even if it’s solely to contribute ideas about what the Foundation should focus on next.
As a charitable organization, the ABoR Foundation depends on donations from persons who share its goals and visions. All contributions to the ABoR Foundation are fully deductible as charitable contributions on federal income tax returns.