Monthly volunteering and annual monetary donations by Realtors increased this past year, demonstrating their continued dedication to giving back.
Monetary contributions from brokers and Realtor associations also increased or remained strong last year. The typical amount donated annually was $1,000, compared to $800 in 2022. General members who donated annually gave a median of $1,200, identical to 2022.
Nearly seven out of ten (69%) Realtor members volunteered monthly, spending an average of eight hours each month, up from 66% in 2022. Eighty-six percent of Realtor members made donations last year, a rise from 79% in 2022.
Among broker-owners, 73% volunteered their time each month, a slight decline from 77% in 2022. Broker donation amounts remain strong. The typical amount donated annually by all broker-owners increased this year to $2,400 compared to $2,300 in 2022. The annual donation amount among contributing broker-owners held steady at $3,000.
Sixty percent of AEs or MLS staff volunteered monthly, and 92% made personal donations in 2023, up from 87% in 2022. Ninety-seven percent of AEs or MLS staff said that their associations hold events encouraging members to volunteer.
NAR is celebrating the 25th year of its Good Neighbor Awards, which recognize Realtors who have made an extraordinary impact on their community through volunteer work. To date, the Good Neighbors have raised and donated $1.47 billion for charitable causes. Since 2000, nearly 240 recipients have served people in need across 43 states and 17 countries.
“Volunteerism indicates a strong commitment to community engagement and social responsibility,” said Deborah Miller, a finalist for the Good Neighbor Award in Florida and real estate salesperson with Lakeland Homes. “As Realtors we demonstrate a genuine dedication to making a positive impact beyond our professional duties. It reflects positively on our character suggesting a sense of empathy community awareness and willingness to contribute to the well-being of the neighborhoods we serve.”
Over the past year Realtors were most likely to have volunteered with food bank delivery/meals local schools or kids’ sports teams. Eighty percent of respondents reported that community involvement is an important component of their business plan.
Ninety-eight percent of AE or MLS respondents’ associations held fundraisers last year for nonprofits or charitable causes with four being the typical number hosted.