Feiner Real Estate recently donated a total of $32,000 to Island nonprofit organizations — $8,200 went to Harbor Homes, $8,200 went to Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, and $20,000 went to the Island Housing Trust.
According to Jim Feiner, owner of Feiner Real Estate, these donations stemmed from the sale of the Mad Martha’s property. The successful ice cream franchise was sold in May for $8.2 million to Brook Katzen and Jim Shane. Freiner Real Estate runs a client’s choice program in which clients may choose to donate 10% of the commission sum to a charity of their choice.
The current economy from COVID also helped the program. Feiner said the number of people entering the housing market has quadrupled since 2020. People wanting space from others and businesses allowing some employees to work fully remote environments have also contributed to so many entering the housing market.
Feiner said he came up with the idea to “merge philanthropy and business” in 2016. “I really wanted to be able to give back to the community and be more than just about selling houses,” said Feiner.
In order to properly conduct the client’s choice program, all of Feiner’s agents had to agree to participate. They did and have allowed for a transparent giving process. “You’re going to make a little less money, but you’re doing something great for the community,” said Feiner.
The client’s choice program has raised $300,000 for charities in a little over five years. Feiner said the goal is to raise half a million dollars by 2025. “I think we’re on our way towards that goal pretty well.”