About
Our Mission
The BOMA/Chicago Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization with the mission to advance the development of emerging talent in commercial real estate (CRE), inclusive of underrepresented groups, through education, exposure, and outreach.
Leadership & Governance
The Foundation operates with its own Board of Directors and bylaws. The Foundation Board is composed of 12 directors.
Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
Internships and Job Placement
Our relationships with local schools enable us to inform students about opportunities in CRE.
Scholarships
The Foundation offers four scholarships for commercial property management careers. Recipients benefit from expert mentorship, access to a vast professional network, and essential industry education.
- Full Designation Scholarship – A needs-based scholarship valued at $10,000 that pays the full tuition for the Real Property Administrator (RPA) designation
- Reginald L. Ollie Scholarship – A scholarship for CRE professionals who have faced significant professional and/or personal challenges to grow within the industry. The Ollie Scholarship is valued at $10,000 that pays the full tuition for the Real Property Administrator (RPA) designation
- Single Course Scholarship – A needs-based scholarship valued at $1,400 that pays for one RPA class
- Foundations of Real Estate Management Class Scholarship – A scholarship valued at $950 that pays for the six-night Foundations of Real Estate Management class
Education
Financial Empowerment Workshops
Our free Financial Empowerment Workshops are for the entire CRE community and provide essential knowledge on budgeting, saving, and managing finances.
Career Days & Tours
The Foundation collaborates with local high schools, colleges, and non-profit organizations to organize CRE career days and building tours, educating students of all ages about the industry.
Diversity
In 1995, BOMA/Chicago established the very first BOMA local Diversity Committee, thanks to Reginald L. Ollie, a distinguished African American industry leader. This Committee leads our vision for DEI and is a vital component of our Foundation.
Diversity Celebration
The BOMA/Chicago Foundation hosts its flagship Diversity Celebration event each April to raise funds for its programs.
Chicago Pride Parade
The Foundation participates in the Chicago Pride Parade to celebrate and support our industry’s LGBTQIA+ community.
Authentic Allyship Workshop
The Foundation created an Authentic Allyship workshop tailored to support diversity, equity, and inclusion in the CRE industry. Participants explore real-world scenarios and learn methods to become genuine allies.
Chicago Skyline Lighting Raffle
Choose the color. Choose the night. Light up Chicago!
For the first time ever, the public has the chance to light up the Chicago skyline! Purchase $25 raffle ticket for the opportunity to work with the BOMA/Chicago Foundation to design a special lighting campaign across downtown Chicago through 2027—all for a date that means something special to you.
Every ticket purchase supports the BOMA/Chicago Foundation. Click here to enter!
Donate to the Foundation
You have the power to make a difference. By donating to the BOMA/Chicago Foundation, you are investing in the future of commercial real estate. You can learn more and donate here.
2026 Workforce Diversity Partner
