FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Eli Marsh, VP of Operations and Strategy
Ware Realty Group, LLC
Phone: 312-376-1448 ext. 103
Email: operations@warerealtygroup.com
June 23, 2025
CHICAGO, IL – The Chicago Association of REALTORS® (CAR) Foundation and Ware Realty Group, LLC debuts the Sarah L. Ware Empowerment Scholarship. It has been created to strengthen the voice and visibility of minority- and woman-owned real-estate brokerage firms across Chicagoland and beyond, investing in them through reimbursements of up to $500 toward industry conferences, events and partner-membership dues.
The purpose of the scholarship is to strengthen the voice and visibility of minority- and woman-owned real-estate brokerage firms across Chicagoland and beyond.
“Early in my career I realized that being in the room where decisions are made isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity,” said Sarah L. Ware, principal and designated managing broker of Ware Realty Group and immediate past president of CAR. “This scholarship removes a financial barrier so under-represented brokerage owners can claim their seat at the table, expand their networks and help reshape an industry that should reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.”
Who Can Apply
To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- The Designated Managing Broker (DMB) is a primary CAR member in good standing.
- The brokerage is 100 percent minority- and/or woman-owned (self-identified per the Small Business Association guidelines).
- The firm and the applying broker have each operated for at least three years.
- Brokers may apply with DMB approval; recipients may reapply after three years.
- Awards are not based on financial need.
Funding & Timelines
Reimbursements up to $500 must be used within one year of award for approved events or membership dues.
Quarterly application deadlines: April 1 (Spring), June 1 (Summer), August 1 (Fall) and November 1 (Winter).
For more information and to apply, visit https://bit.ly/slw_scholarship.
About the Chicago Association of REALTORS® Foundation
A 501(c)(3) organization, the CAR Foundation advances real-estate professionalism and community prosperity through scholarships, charitable giving and outreach. Learn more at chicagorealtor.com/foundation.
About Ware Realty Group, LLC
Ware Realty Group is a Chicago-based brokerage and consulting firm specializing in market research, brokerage services, and advisory support. Certified as a Minority-, Woman-, and Disadvantaged-Business Enterprise (M/W/DBE), the firm works with private and public clients across Illinois, with a focus on community-centered and mission-driven real estate solutions.