Intracoastal Realty is much more than a residential brokerage and property management company. It is also a philanthropic powerhouse with a history of charitable good works that runs as deep as its local roots. Established in 1976, Intracoastal Realty is the largest independent and locally-owned real estate firm in southeastern North Carolina.
“We take great pride in being locally owned and operated, and we take equal pride in the communities in which we live and work,” said Jim Wallace, CEO of Intracoastal Realty. “Giving back through volunteerism and charitable gifts is an important part of our company culture and ensures the health and well-being of this very special area we call home. We are grateful for the generosity of our nearly 350+ agents and staff throughout the year.”
The firm works closely with UNC-Wilmington, Cape Fear Community College, and Brunswick Community College to offer scholarships to deserving students. Intracoastal Realty managers, agents, and staff make donations of money, time, and resources to local chapters of national health organizations, disaster relief funds, and civic organizations. But it’s one non-profit that holds a particularly special place in the heart of the firm’s CEO Jim Wallace – the Intracoastal Realty Teacher’s Fund.
Teacher’s Fund Scores an A+ with Area Educators
For Wallace, one of the most satisfying aspects of owning Intracoastal Realty is educating and supporting the company’s agents and helping them achieve their goals. So it’s no surprise that Wallace is a passionate advocate of education and its ability to transform young minds into successful adults. In 2005, his interest in education took a giant leap forward with the creation of an innovative non-profit entitled the Intracoastal Realty Teacher’s Fund.
The mission of the Teacher’s Fund is to raise funds and distribute grants to local teachers to assist them in purchasing books and school supplies for their classrooms. The Teacher’s Fund focuses on public and private school teachers in New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick counties. Grants are restricted for use in kindergarten through 5th grade classrooms.
“Teachers have one of the most important jobs in today’s society, and unfortunately, their needs often outweigh their resources,” said Wallace. “The Teacher’s Fund helps fill the funding gap and enables teachers to purchase the supplies and books they need for their students.”
Wallace launched the Teacher’s Fund with a personal donation, and since that time, the fund has grown with generous gifts from the community and Intracoastal Realty agents. To date, Intracoastal Realty has given away more than 1,150 grants valued at $240,000. These grants have impacted more than 125,000 students in the tri-county area.
Grants are awarded monthly to teachers who submit applications. Applications are available online at www.IntracoastalRealty.com/TeachersFund. A Teacher’s Fund committee comprised of Intracoastal representatives and local teachers meet on a monthly basis to review applications and select grant recipients.
Fundraising
One of the primary funding mechanisms of the Teacher’s Fund is Beacon Title Insurance, of which Intracoastal Realty has an ownership interest. For each policy purchased, 50% of Intracoastal Realty’s proceeds automatically go to the Teacher’s Fund. Homebuyers working with Intracoastal Realty can support the Teacher’s Fund by requesting Beacon Title insurance during the purchasing process. Public donations are also graciously accepted. Checks may be made out to the Teacher’s Fund and sent to: Intracoastal Realty, c/o Heather Counselman, 1902 Eastwood Road, Wilmington, NC 28412.
To find out more about the Teacher’s Fund, and to view a photo gallery of past recipients and happy students, go to IntracoastalRealty.com/TeachersFund.
