Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Real Estate Education Scholarships
Established in 1970, the Illinois Real Estate Educational (REEF) has dedicated itself to advancing real estate education and professional development across Illinois. Our foundation operates through voluntary contributions from industry professionals and organizations committed to fostering academic excellence and career growth in real estate. We award annual scholarships to students pursuing real estate degrees, pre-license education, and advanced industry designations, with a particular focus on diversity and leadership development.Through strategic partnerships with institutions like the University of Illinois and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, we administer programs that address critical industry needs, including diversity training and real estate research initiatives. Our board of directors comprises seasoned real estate professionals who ensure our resources directly support educational advancement and industry innovation.
Services
Academic Scholarships
Diversity Grants
Leadership Training
Pre-License Education
Real Estate Research
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- We have awarded over $1 million in scholarships since 1970
- Our programs support both academic and professional real estate development
- We partner with leading academic institutions and industry organizations
- Specialized scholarships for veterans, minorities, and leadership training
- Administer the official Illinois Diversity Real Estate Scholarship Program
What people say
Life-changing scholarships
Career advancement
Reduced educational costs
Professional development
Industry diversification
Services
Academic Scholarships
REEF provides academic scholarships for students pursuing real estate degrees at accredited institutions. These funds support undergraduate and graduate studies in real estate, business, and related fields. Recipients demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to the real estate industry.
Diversity Grants
Our diversity grants support underrepresented groups in real estate through targeted scholarships and business training. Programs include the Illinois Diversity Real Estate Scholarship and inclusion training for brokerages. These initiatives aim to create equitable opportunities in the industry.
Leadership Training
REEF offers leadership development programs for real estate professionals seeking advanced designations and management skills. Scholarships cover courses for certifications like GRI, CCIM, and CRB. Programs emphasize ethical leadership and industry innovation.
Pre-License Education
We fund pre-license education programs for aspiring real estate professionals. Grants cover exam preparation courses and foundational training. These programs help new entrants meet state licensing requirements and build successful careers.
Real Estate Research
REEF supports real estate research initiatives through partnerships with academic institutions. Our funding helps develop new insights on market trends, housing policy, and economic factors affecting Illinois real estate. Research informs industry practices and policy decisions.
People
Jim Sim
President
Jim Sim leads Oak Leaf Realty and brings decades of real estate experience to REEF. He advocates for industry education and serves on multiple real estate advisory boards.
Sarah Ware
Vice-President
Sarah Ware owns Ware Realty Group and specializes in Chicago-area residential real estate. She focuses on mentorship programs for new agents through REEF initiatives.
Laurie Clayton
Foundation Manager
Laurie Clayton oversees REEF's daily operations and scholarship administration. With 20+ years in real estate education, she ensures efficient distribution of grants and program compliance.
Jim Haisler
Past President
Jim Haisler contributes to REEF's strategic planning as a past president. His leadership experience shapes the foundation's long-term educational goals and industry partnerships.
Christopher Tenggren
Board Member
Christopher Tenggren serves on REEF's board and focuses on expanding scholarship access. He works with local associations to increase awareness of educational funding opportunities.
Questions
What types of scholarships does REEF offer?
REEF offers academic scholarships for real estate degrees, diversity grants for underrepresented groups, leadership training funds, and specialized programs for veterans and REALTOR family members.
How can I apply for a REEF scholarship?
Applications are available online through our website. Each scholarship has specific eligibility requirements and deadlines, with most requiring proof of Illinois residency and real estate-related study plans.
Does REEF support continuing education for licensed agents?
Yes, we offer scholarships for professional designations like GRI, CIPS, and CCIM, as well as leadership training programs for established real estate professionals.
How is REEF funded?
We rely on voluntary contributions from real estate professionals, associations, and industry partners. Major donors receive recognition through our donor appreciation programs.
Can out-of-state students receive REEF scholarships?
While most programs prioritize Illinois residents, our Thomas F. Seay Scholarship and Morgan L. Fitch Scholarship are available to students at accredited US institutions regardless of state.
What diversity initiatives does REEF support?
We administer the Illinois Diversity Real Estate Scholarship Program and offer grants for inclusion training programs that help brokerages develop diverse teams and combat unconscious bias.
