Investment Grants
Supporting and advancing education, research, law reform, and other activities related to real estate across three funding priorities with up to $250,000 in funding.
Investment Grant Update, August 2026
We are grateful for the enthusiastic response to our Investment Grant program. This year, we received more Expressions of Interest than we are able to accommodate. As a result, the current intake is now closed.
If you were considering applying, we encourage you to prepare for our Spring 2027 round.
Grants must demonstrate one of the following:
Education of related professionals and the public in respect of the real estate industry
Other projects and activities to advance and improve the real estate industry
Law reform and research in respect of the real estate industry
Grants are not awarded to support:
Individuals
Political or religious activities
For-profit and commercial ventures
Deficit or debt retirement
Annual fundraising drives
Motivational presentations
Activities already substantially completed (retroactive funding)
Capital funding (for renovations, retrofits, or builds)
Other granting agencies for ultimate distribution to agencies or programs of its own choosing
How to apply
See our user guide to help you navigate our GoApply Portal.
Feedback
The Foundation is dedicated to transparent and fair processes and welcomes your feedback to improve and reduce barriers for grantseekers. Contact us at grants@aref.ab.ca.
Desired Impacts
Deadlines
Investment Grants
Expressions of Interest for Investment Grants are accepted a minimum of 3 weeks before the deadline
August 18, 2026
March 9, 2027
August 17, 2027
October 27, 2026
May 18, 2027
October 26, 2027
What we are looking for
Required Criteria
Align with the Foundation’s mandate
Meet the strategic priorities adopted by the Board
Address an industry-identified need that is in the public interest
Make a lasting impact and have a broad reach
Demonstrate organizational capacity to manage and complete the project the grant would support within the agreed timeframe and budget
Preferred Criteria
Demonstrate industry involvement or collaboration
Leverage wider support with the Foundation’s funding by securing additional funders
Generate transferable results so that the project can impact more than its local context
Incorporate knowledge sharing to the broader community
Not duplicate existing work
Funded Projects
Rural ROI Modeling Pilot Project
University of Calgary, School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape
Built EnvironmentHousing Law Information Project 2026
Centre for Public Legal Education (CPLEA)
Real Estate LeadershipWestman Centre for Real Estate Studies: Advancing Real Estate Education 2026
University of Calgary, Westman School of Real Estate
Real Estate LeadershipAdvancing Entry-to-Practice Professional Standards in Alberta’s Mortgage Sector Through Applied Education Reform
Alberta Mortgage Brokers’ Association
Real Estate LeadershipWhere Newcomers Live and Shop: Evidence from Edmonton
University of Alberta, Alberta Land Institute
Real Estate LeadershipThe Invisible Anchor: Nonprofit Space and Real Estate Stability in Alberta
The Nonprofit Chamber
Real Estate LeadershipUniversal Home Score: Enhancing Aging-in-Place Readiness in Alberta Real Estate
University of Alberta
Built EnvironmentREDI2Build Alberta
Rural Development Network
Real Estate LeadershipFostering Stewardship Through the Oldman River State of the Watershed Assessment
Oldman Watershed Council
Land & Water Addressing Energy Poverty in Edmonton's Rental Market
NorQuest College
Built EnvironmentTrees Matter: Safeguarding Alberta’s Real Estate and Landscapes from Invasive Pests
Alberta Invasive Species Council
Land & Water Industry Guidance and Toolkit for Adaptive Reuse & Repurposing of Existing Buildings
- Generate Canada
Built Environment