Keller Williams Donates $1.5 Million to KW Cares Fund
Keller Williams Realty, the world’s largest real estate franchise by agent count, has made a generous donation of $1.5 million to KW Cares, a 501(c)(3) public charity created to support Keller Williams-affiliated associates and their families during times of hardship. This donation highlights KW’s unwavering commitment to standing by its associates in times of crisis, reinforcing its dedication to the well-being of the KW family.
Gary Keller, the executive chairman and co-founder of Keller Williams, emphasized the significance of this donation, saying, “We are committed to standing beside our associates in times of crisis. KW Cares is our culture in action, and we’re proud of what we have accomplished together to support our people.”
KW Cares, which was founded to assist associates and their families facing sudden financial hardships, has made a substantial impact over the years. In 2024, the charity awarded 497 emergency grants and 141 catastrophic hardship grants, offering financial relief to KW associates and their dependent families who experienced unexpected emergencies. In total, KW Cares granted more than $4.8 million in grants and disaster relief last year, continuing its crucial role in supporting the KW family during challenging times.
“We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support from Keller Williams and all our donors,” said Alexia Rodriguez, CEO of KW Cares. “Last year alone, we touched the lives of thousands within the KW family, providing assistance, support, and love when they needed it the most.”
Top KW Regions in Transactional Giving (2024)
KW Cares’ impact is also due to the continued contributions from Keller Williams’ various regions. The Carolinas Region, led by Regional Director Mark Brenneman, was the top region in terms of total transactional giving. Meanwhile, the New York-Tri State Region, under the leadership of Regional Director Christopher Stevens, led in transactional giving by the percentage of closings donated to KW Cares. This reflects the widespread commitment of KW regions to supporting their communities and the KW family in times of need.
Top Franchisees in Transactional Giving Dollars (2024)
In addition to regional contributions, several Keller Williams franchises were recognized for their outstanding charitable giving. Some of the top franchisees in transactional giving dollars in 2024 include:
- Keller Williams Unified (Mooresville, NC)
- Keller Williams Realty Alliance Group Chantilly (Chantilly, VA)
- KW Innovate (Wilmington, NC)
- Keller Williams Realty East Bay (Walnut Creek, CA)
- Keller Williams Coastal and Lakes and Mountains Realty (Portsmouth, NH)
- Keller Williams Realty Legacy Group (Cedar Rapids, IA)
- Keller Williams Realty Ballantyne Area (Charlotte, NC)
- Keller Williams Realty Acadiana (Lafayette, LA)
- Keller Williams Premier Partners (Vancouver, WA)
- Keller Williams Realty Bellingham (Bellingham, WA)
Hurricane Disaster Response in 2024
One of the most significant challenges faced by KW Cares in 2024 was responding to the aftermath of five hurricanes that hit six different regions. KW Cares provided an impressive $2.4 million for hurricane disaster response efforts. This included relief supplies, as well as 420 emergency grants to affected associates and their families. The charity also awarded $928,951 to support families impacted by Hurricanes Helene, Milton, Beryl, Francine, and Debby.
The response from KW Cares was swift and impactful. The charity distributed 969 generators to associates and their families who had lost power during the devastating storms. The ability to respond quickly to natural disasters is made possible by KW Cares’ pre-stocked warehouses and fleet of trucks and trailers, which are always ready for disaster response. Additionally, the Austin, Texas-based KW Cares call center is available to assist KW agents and families in need, further demonstrating the charity’s dedication to supporting its community.
KW Cares Achievements and Recognition
In 2024, KW Cares continued to receive accolades for its transparency and effectiveness. The organization received the prestigious Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, a nonprofit research group. This recognition is the highest available from Candid and reflects KW Cares’ commitment to operating with integrity and accountability. The charity also maintains a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, the world’s largest nonprofit evaluator, further demonstrating its credibility and impact.
Since its inception in 2003, KW Cares has provided over $66 million in assistance to KW agents and families. The charity has awarded more than 7,200 grants, helping associates and their families through financial hardships caused by emergencies. KW Cares is primarily funded through donations from KW-affiliated associates, who contribute a portion of their real estate commissions to the cause. This philanthropic effort ensures that KW Cares has the resources to continue making a meaningful impact on the lives of those who need it most.
