Ambassador Program

The Real Estate Ambassador program educates real estate professionals about systemic racism in the industry and provides opportunities to contribute to change through the down payment fund. We thank the Ambassadors who have already joined the program — your leadership is inspiring!

Learn more about the program below, and then make a commitment to be part of the solution. If are interested in becoming an ambassador, complete the ambassador signup form.

Education

An important step is learning about how systemic racism is embedded in the real estate industry and how it impacts and exacerbates the wealth gap. Many of us are taught to take a colorblind approach in professional and personal life, but this can still cause a great deal of harm and do little to reverse a long history of racial discrimination in housing.

Review the education materials and opportunities we have for real estate industry professionals. It includes a growing list of books, articles, and videos to learn more on your own, and we occasionally host talks and workshops for real estate and banking professionals.

Commitment

Real estate professionals ready to be part of the solution can commit to be an ‘Ambassador’ for OWN IT: Building Black Wealth. Ambassadors agree to systematically contribute a portion or percentage of their commission checks (or make a monthly contribution) to the down payment fund.

Contributions make a direct impact on increasing Black and brown homeownership in the Greater Madison area. Families who complete our two education courses can apply to receive $18,000 in down payment assistance to be used on the purchase of their first home.

The fund is fiscally sponsored by One City Schools Foundation, a 501(c)(3) based in Madison. Donations are tax deductible and ambassadors receive a tax-compliant donation receipt for every contribution.

If are interested in becoming an ambassador, email the team at info@ownitbbw.com.

Want to learn more?

Hear from a fellow real estate professionals about the importance of OWN IT and how you can be part of the solution. Fill out the contact form to request that a team member reach out to you.

Brokers

Real estate brokers can also participate. Participating brokers agree to help their agents make contributions to the down payment fund. We are working with all local firms and encourage you to contact our team (info@ownitbbw.com) to start a conversation.

Contribute

Real estate and banking professionals can also contribute to the down payment fund with a one-time donation. Make a donation today!

Donation checks can be made out to our financial partners — One City Schools Foundation — and should include ‘OWN IT Downpayment Fund’ in the memo line. Mail checks to:

One City Schools / OWN IT
Attn: Accounting
2012 Fisher Street
Madison, WI 53713