Jim Feiner, principal broker of Feiner Real Estate, recently donated $4,500 to the Island Housing Trust as part of an initiative to help Martha’s Vineyard’s nonprofit community. According to a press release, Mr. Feiner created the program in honor of his firm’s 40th anniversary to allow his clients to identify a not-for-profit organization each time a property is bought or sold. Feiner Real Estate will then donate 10 percent of its commission to the organization of choice. The donation, after the property closes, comes at no expense to the buyer or seller.
Mr. Feiner said in the press release, “While Martha’s Vineyard is loved as a vacation hot spot, year-round residents are finding it increasingly difficult to live here with the high cost of living and an extremely challenging housing environment. There are over 120 nonprofits on Martha’s Vineyard that serve various needs in the community, and we hope we can make an impact on them in this coming year.
“Feiner Real Estate is entering our 40th year on the Vineyard, and this is a logical extension of my business. I have been donating 1 percent of my business and personal summer rental income to affordable housing for several years, and I wanted to find a way to do more. This initiative could really make a difference.“
Mr. Feiner serves as chairman of the Chilmark Housing Committee and also sits on the board of the Island Housing Trust (IHT). He said that he “sees the impact that IHT projects have had on the community, the economy, and especially people in need. In a perfect world, others will come on board and do the same. I think we can really get something happening, and make a serious difference to the Island Community through the nonprofits that serve them. It also gives my clients an opportunity to feel a connection with the nonprofit groups on the Island and the people who benefit from them.
“I am hoping this idea will inspire others to look within and see what they can do to make our community a better place.”