Elaina's Sustainability Fund

Applications for funding are now open. Elaina’s Sustainability Grants encourage innovation or adoption of sustainability and occupant wellness initiatives that impact the buildings where we live, work, shop, and play. 

View 2022 past recipients

View 2021 past recipients

 Eligibility

Grants from Elaina’s Sustainability Fund are open to anyone in the world who is ready to take steps to improve the environmental footprint of commercial real estate. This includes, but is not limited to IREM^® members, real estate managers, building owners, tenants, residents, students, and faculty of academic institutions.

Preference will be given to programs that demonstrate creativity and innovation, as well as individuals or companies that may otherwise lack the funds to implement the program.

Funding and criteria

The IREM Foundation will consider grant requests ranging from $500 - $5000. Up to four (4) $5,000 grants will be awarded in 2023. Applications will be evaluated on the criteria below:

• Anticipated impact/reduction in consumption of energy and natural resources
• The likelihood of success
• Creativity/innovation
• Ability to measure results
• Demonstrated need for resources
• Grant’s ability to have significant impact on a project
• Number of people impacted, i.e., residents, tenants
• Length of time for project to be deemed a success and the ability to maintain funding in subsequent years as may be needed

Special consideration will be given to proposals that embody initiatives that increase diversity, the engagement of young professionals, and expansion of industry knowledge as these are at the core of the IREM Foundation values and purpose.

Application window and review

Applications are now accepted in quarterly windows with applications needing to be received by March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31. Additional details provided here.

Applications will be reviewed by a select group from the IREM Foundation’s Grant Review Committee. Submit an application today!

Reporting

Recipients will be required to submit a written report within one year of receiving funding. The report should include, at a minimum, tracking of the proposal’s original outcomes and goals, budget details, impact stories, and photos if possible. Additional information may be requested.

About Elaina

On June 5, 2019, Elaina Tattersdale passed away after a short battle with cancer. At the young age of 35, she leaves behind two daughters and a devoted family including her parents, 2020 IREM President Cheryl Gray, CPM^® and Rick Gray, CPM^®.

Elaina believed that one person could make a difference. She worked as an enterprise project manager for Canada-based real estate firm, Morguard Investments. Her dream was to improve the impact buildings have on our environment by working in sustainability, but sadly, those doors never opened. To honor her passion, Elaina’s parents, Rick and Cheryl Gray, launched Elaina’s Sustainability Fund with a donation of $50,000 to the IREM Foundation in 2019.