Carolina Martinez Sanchez describes the Alberta Real Estate Foundation (AREF) in five words: valued, partner, strategic, sustainable, and impactful.

She provides senior-level advisory for corporate relations at the University of Alberta, and she's been part of a relationship between AREF and the university that goes back to 1992.

"AREF has been a valued partner with the University of Alberta for more than three decades," Carolina says. "Connecting academic research and projects directly to real-world applications to benefit our communities across the province."

One of the strongest examples is AREF's contribution to the Stan Melton Chair in Real Estate at the Alberta School of Business. Carolina says it goes well beyond a single project. "It's about building a long-term centre of excellence that advances education, research, and leadership in real estate and city building."

That long-term thinking, she says, is what really sets AREF apart. "AREF invests with a long-term vision to strengthen Alberta's real estate ecosystem."

The practical impact shows up in how the research reaches people. Through the partnership, insights go directly to municipalities, developers, and the real estate industry to help shape policy and practices.

"AREF's support helps transform a promising idea into real practice, into a province-wide initiative with real impact," Carolina says. "Through our partnership, collaboration, and shared learning, research and projects are able to move beyond theory."

Carolina also sees AREF helping change the conversation about what real estate means in Alberta. "For communities across Alberta, this means moving the conversation beyond price and square footage to more holistic views of real estate. One that values public space, land, social connectedness, and quality of life."

When she talks about what makes AREF different from other funders, she comes back to engagement. "The AREF board and team are deeply engaged throughout each project, offering ongoing communication, thoughtful guidance, and opportunities for collaboration. Every initiative is treated as valuable and supported with the intent to succeed."

She calls it "a partnership grounded in trust, relationship building, knowledge and experience, and a shared commitment to community impact."

For anyone considering a partnership with AREF, Carolina's advice is straightforward. "Appreciate the opportunity, come prepared, and embrace the partnership fully."

And for those applying for a grant, she says two things matter most: alignment and knowledge mobilization. "It's not only about producing great research. Think about how your results can become practical tools, inform policies, or inspire change."

To date, the Alberta Real Estate Foundation has invested more than $35 million into over 900 projects across the province. All funded through interest earned on pooled trust accounts held by real estate brokerages.