Leads for charity?
Recently launched Investing in Communities (IIC) , built from the ground up by real estate broker Michael Pink is a nonprofit platform that “connects socially conscious clients with socially responsible professionals” in what they call “market-driven philanthropy.”
Despite philanthropy becoming more a part of the American culture and less a part of high society or hippie life, nonprofits in the real estate space are sparse. Consumers are looking to buy energy efficient bulbs and cars, recycling, becoming more educated on toxins, volunteering is on the rise, and the internet has been a major catalyst in educating and connecting non profits with consumers and businesses.
IIC replaces lead-generation and referral fees with philanthropy. When Realtors receive a lead through IIC, you don’t pay a referral fee, you pay 10% of the commission to the nonprofit selected by your client.
Nonprofits like Chicago House (HIV services) promote IIC to their base and word spreads organically.
IIC charges Realtors $150 annually to “keep the lights on” because they’re a nonprofit and receive nothing from the commission. We assume this goes toward staff and marketing and it seems like a reasonable cost.
So the ultimate question:
In Austin, Laurie Loew of Give Realty has been giving 25% of every commission to charity for years and has openly encouraged others to follow suit. When in practice, Benn gave 10% of all commissions to charity and we know of select few who do the same, but most do not. Perhaps agents would be more inclined to give to charity if they didn’t have to work for the lead?
So the ultimate question is, would you give 10% of your commission to a charity in exchange for a lead? Tell us in comments your thoughts!
