Pasadena Realtors Turn Clients into Philanthropists with $105K Fund

PASADENA, Calif. – January 07, 2026 – A leading Pasadena real estate team has transformed its business success into a significant community investment, distributing $105,000 to seven local nonprofits. But instead of making the decisions behind closed boardroom doors, The Berns Team of Keller Williams Luxury put the power directly into the hands of its clients, allowing them to vote on where the funds would make the most impact. The firm’s first annual “Raise to Give” initiative represents a novel approach to corporate philanthropy, one that deepens community ties by making clients active partners in giving back.

The initiative was announced at the team’s annual Fall Festival, where over three hundred past and current clients gathered. The event culminated in the distribution of funds to organizations tackling critical issues such as homelessness, emergency fire relief, and historic preservation across Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley.

A New Model for Corporate Giving

The philosophy behind Raise to Give is straightforward: every home bought or sold with The Berns Team contributes to a growing philanthropic fund. At the end of the year, the team presents a slate of vetted local organizations to their client base, who then vote to determine the final allocation of the money. This participatory model moves beyond traditional corporate social responsibility, fostering a collective sense of purpose and shared impact.

“Our mission has always been about more than real estate,” said Laura Berns, co-owner of The Berns Team, in a statement. “Raise to Give allows us to deepen our connection with our community by empowering our clients to help direct real impact where it's needed most.”

While client-directed giving is a growing trend, with some firms donating a percentage of an individual commission to a charity of the client’s choice, The Berns Team's approach is distinct. By pooling funds into a single, substantial sum and facilitating a collective vote, they create a community-wide event rather than a series of individual transactions. This method not only amplifies the financial impact but also strengthens the relationship between the business, its clients, and the community they all share.

“Real estate is the vehicle, but giving back is the purpose,” added co-owner Jason Berns. “We're incredibly grateful to our clients whose trust in us makes moments like this possible. Their votes shaped this entire initiative.”

Directing Funds Where They're Needed Most

The $105,000 was distributed among seven organizations, with the largest grants directed toward homelessness and emergency relief. The client vote resulted in a significant $50,000 donation to Door of Hope, a Pasadena-based nonprofit dedicated to equipping families to escape and prevent homelessness. With a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, Door of Hope is recognized for its effectiveness in providing transitional housing, mental health services, and prevention programs. The organization reports that 97% of families in its alumni program remain employed and 94% remain housed one year after exiting the program, making the substantial donation a direct investment in a proven solution.

Emergency relief for those affected by the recent Eaton Fire was another clear priority for voters. A combined $32,500 was allocated to fire recovery efforts, with $25,000 going to the Eaton Fire Survivors Network for direct aid and $7,500 to the Eaton Fire Collaborative. The latter grant is designed to build foundational capacity for the collaborative, which coordinates over 200 member organizations, helping to sustain advocacy and support systems for survivors as they navigate the long road to recovery.

The remaining funds were distributed to a range of vital community pillars:

• $12,500 to Friends in Deed, an interfaith organization providing essential services to the homeless and at-risk populations in the Pasadena area.
• $5,000 to Harambee Ministries, which provides academic support, arts enrichment, and practical assistance to youth and families in Northwest Pasadena, including those impacted by the Eaton Fire.
• $2,500 to Habitat for Humanity, San Gabriel Valley, a group with a near-perfect score for transparency and accountability from charity evaluators. The funds will support their mission of building and repairing homes for low-income families, including long-term rebuilding projects for underinsured homeowners affected by the Eaton Fire.
• $2,500 to Pasadena Heritage, an organization dedicated to preserving the city’s rich architectural and cultural history.

Philanthropy as a Competitive Edge

In the competitive Southern California real estate market, where the median home price in Pasadena hovers around $1.2 million, differentiation is key. The Berns Team’s claim as a “top-producing” team is backed by industry recognition, including being named a RealTrends Verified Top Team and having facilitated over $1 billion in real estate transactions for more than 1,380 families since 2012. The Raise to Give initiative serves as more than just a philanthropic endeavor; it is a powerful business strategy that aligns the company’s values with those of its clients.

By integrating social impact directly into their business model, the firm builds a deeper, more loyal client base that is attracted to the idea that their real estate transaction has a secondary, positive effect on their community. This values-driven approach can be a deciding factor for consumers who increasingly prioritize working with ethical and community-minded businesses.

The public celebration at the Fall Festival, which combined client appreciation with the philanthropic announcement, further solidifies this bond. It transforms clients from passive recipients of a service into active participants in a shared community mission. The Berns Team has announced plans to expand the Raise to Give program in 2026, signaling a long-term vision to scale their community support year after year. This commitment to expanding the program solidifies the initiative not as a one-time gesture, but as a foundational element of their business model for years to come.