The Board of Governors of the Alberta Real Estate Foundation recently approved $203,000 in community investment projects at their recent meeting on June 22nd, 2012.

Notable projects approved for funding include:

– $50,000 to the ALCES group (www.alces.ca) and Alberta Tomorrow to further develop their mapping tools and school outreach program for their land simulator.

– $25,000 to Athabasca Watershed Council (www.acw-wpac.ca) for an outreach campaign to educated residents on the results of the watershed report and its impact for Albertans in the area.

– $20,000 to Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations (CCVO) (www.calgarycvo.org) for a survey in non-profit leadership in Calgary and Area.

– $15,000 to Doors Open Calgary Society (DOCA) (www.doorsopenyyc.org) for a Calgary-wide public celebration to showcase the heritage, architectural and socially significant buildings in the city.

– $30,000 to Olds College (www.oldscollege.ca) toward the construction of a research facility on the management and treatment of wetland areas in Alberta.

– $38,000 to the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) (www.nait.ca) for a solar array applied research project.

– $25,000 to The Natural Step (www.thenaturalstep.org) to facilitate the Sustainability Transition Lab in Edmonton: a dialogue in sustainability.

Jay Freeman, the Chair of the Alberta Real Estate Foundation, was extremely pleased with the breadth and diversity of the grants supported this round. He said, “There is a clear focus on land stewardship issues from large organizations and small. We are also pleased to support Alberta Tomorrow to build upon work that we have supported in the past making their tools accessible to more communities across Alberta. Projects like Doors Open are novel and proven, as they have achieved success in other Canadian cities. We look forward to their success in Calgary.”

Cynthia Klaasen is DOCA’s President. She says, “Thanks to the support, Doors Open Calgary Society will allow Calgarians to experience and appreciate some of the unique architectural and historical sites featured in this year’s Doors Open YYC event. The success of this event will help turn it into something Calgarians can enjoy year after year.”

Colin Baril from The Natural Step is excited to move forward with their Sustainability Transition Lab project. “Efforts to engage current and emerging community leaders to envision a sustainable and prosperous Edmonton will be the catalyst for a series of tangible projects to help Edmonton meaningfully address key challenges facing the city.”

Dr. Glenn Feltham, NAIT president and CEO says, “We deeply appreciate the Alberta Real Estate Foundation’s support of this very important initiative. We are committed to alternative energy research and finding solutions that will improve the quality of life of all Albertans.” The Alberta Real Estate Foundation is proud to be part of such important work.

The Alberta Real Estate Foundation supports initiatives that enhance the Real Estate Industry and benefit the communities of Alberta. The Foundation was set up in 1991 under the Alberta Real Estate Act. Since then, it has awarded over 14.1 million dollars in community and industry grants to over 452 projects across Alberta.