Funding requests must be a written application to be considered by the SMDRA REALTORS® Care Committee.  Funding decisions will be based on program support only, inclusive of program-related expenses such as salaries and overhead expenses. Distributions shall be made through a defined application process and only to public charities as defined in Section 170(b)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code (i.e., churches, schools, hospitals, government entities, and publicly supported 501(c)3 organizations.

Grants that are given are matched to an organization’s need, capabilities, opportunities, scale of impact, and the program’s fit with the Foundation’s priorities, as well as the organization’s historic pattern of support from other institutional donors, its developmental stage, and the Foundation’s overall availability of funds.  The Foundation prefers to encourage organizations to develop a broad base of support, thus will not make grants that represent 100% of a project’s budget.

Below is the current eligibility requirements:

• Must be a Colorado-based nonprofit organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization with a determination letter dated within the last five years.
• Show programmatic evidence of a demonstrated commitment to the SMDRA REALTORS® Care Foundation’s mission and vision.
• Organization may not have received SMDRA Foundation OPEN grant support during the Foundation’s most recent grant year (prior calendar year).  Organizations funded in the most recent grant year are eligible to reapply after skipping a year.  Not applicable to closed grant cycle. 
• No distribution from the Funds shall be made to satisfy a written pledge or legal obligation of the Donor or any other person, and neither the donor nor any other person may receive any benefit or privilege (such as gifts or tickets to events) in return for a distribution from the Fund.
• The donor, or any person or committee properly designated by the Donor, may make recommendations to the Foundation regarding the distribution of the funds in accordance with the Fund Type Structure and Application Process.

The SMDRA REALTORS® Care Foundation, through the Awards Fund, will not award grants to:

• Individuals
• Organizations affiliated with a current director, officer, or staff member of the Foundation. (This is an IRS rule and cannot be changed) 
• Organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, sex, disability, marital status, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or national or ethnic origin.

Applications must be submitted via the electronic application form and are due by end of business June 30, 2024. Proposals will be screened for adherence to application instructions; alignment with the Foundation’s mission and guidelines; fiscal responsibility; and compliance with guidelines established by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Colorado Real Estate Commission.

Regulations put forth by the Colorado Real Estate Commission that led to the creation of the Foundation stipulate that grant funds shall be spent on “community-based, affordable, housing initiatives.” Grant decisions will be made at Foundation Committee meetings. Foundation staff are unable to meet with potential applicants and grant-seekers in person or via telephone.