Judy Feng has a number that puts the Alberta Real Estate Foundation's impact into perspective: half a million.

That's how many Albertans use the housing law and condo law resources on average every single year. 

Judy is a staff lawyer and project manager at the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta (CPLEA). CPLEA is behind two websites that many Albertans have used: landlordandtenant.org and condolawalberta.ca

"AREF has supported CPLEA's housing law information and real estate law projects for well over two decades now," Judy says.

It started as two separate projects. The Residential Tenancies Legal Information project provided plain-language legal information for landlords and tenants. The Condominium Law Education project did the same for condo buyers, condo owners, and condo board members. In 2022, CPLEA brought them together under one umbrella: the Housing Law Information Project, which now also covers homeowners and home buyers.

Today, the project includes more than 200 resources in multiple formats. Web content, printed materials, webinars, and videos. All free. All written so that people without legal training can understand their rights and responsibilities.

"I could tell you right now that this project would not exist without AREF's support and also long-term investment," Judy says. "And it's a one-of-a-kind project here in Canada. There's nothing like it in terms of the scope and also the depth of the project."

The reach goes well beyond the real estate industry. Judy says landlord associations, community services across Alberta, legal clinics, legal organizations, public agencies, and immigrant-serving agencies use the resources.

The impact of these projects has extended well beyond the real estate industry, reaching different sectors and communities alike.

When Judy talks about what makes AREF different from other funders, she comes back to two things: autonomy and trust.

"AREF actually gives a lot of grantees autonomy," she says. "They will provide the necessary financial support to get projects off the ground, but really leave it up to grantees to know what's best to meet the needs of Albertans."

She also describes the grant process as seamless. "Working with the AREF team to get a project off the ground is a two-way type of communication. It's easy."

For Judy, that's what AREF is. Not just a funder.

"They're an incubator for good ideas to grow here in Alberta. They understand the value of community building, connection, and bringing people together from all different types of sectors. And this is where innovation takes place."

The Alberta Real Estate Foundation has invested more than $35 million into over 900 projects across the province. All funded through interest earned on pooled trust accounts held by real estate brokerages.