The winners were awarded a couple hundred dollars for college, which was a real help to their families. The recipients of association charity efforts are sometimes chosen by association staff, but more often, it's an association's board of directors or community service committee that selects a project that will most benefit the community and the members. Last year it was the local chapter of the Alzheimer Association because of a personal connection. And although their primary activities revolve around affordable housing, a few foundations focus on educational scholarships and most are funded through member donations and fund-raising. The MAR Foundation Board of Directors awards 10 to 15 monetary grants annually to organizations in Maine that provide affordable housing.
Local boards participate, too, by raising money for local housing groups.
The amount is then matched dollar for dollar by MAR's Affordable Housing Fund. The grants funded roof repairs, replacement windows, and handrail installation to make steps safer for senior homeowners. Broker and manager members were asked to make a matching donation from the office for each donation made by a salesperson in that office. The idea of tying their contribution to their success, and publicizing it was very motivational, says Tracey Linkous, director of member services. The board's communications director, Rita Landry, says it's become this easy to raise funds because of the projects the money goes to, particularly, funding for a women's shelter.