WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The David Reznick Foundation (DRF), a non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing the next generation of affordable housing leaders, awarded seven academic scholarships for the 2021/2022 academic year and eight for the 2022/2023 academic year so far. DRF is also providing equity for affordable housing development by emerging developers, in conjunction with the University of Baltimore Real Estate Fellows program. The Foundation, which was established in 2016, is named in honor of David Reznick, the co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Reznick, Fedder & Silverman (now known as CohnReznick) and a legend in the affordable housing industry for almost 50 years. David, a Certified Public Accountant whose firm specialized in real estate and affordable housing, was known for his commitment to housing, education and mentorship.
The new initiatives come as the Foundation has revitalized and expanded its mission, under the direction of a new Board.
“The David Reznick Foundation is poised to carry on David’s legacy. He was respected as a leader and mentor by everyone in the affordable housing community. Our mission is to honor his memory by nurturing and supporting the future leaders of the industry and the people and organizations striving to make affordable housing available to all who need it,” said Sharon Dworkin Bell, president of the Foundation’s Board.
UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS
The David Reznick Foundation provides college tuition grants to students studying for a degree in accounting or affordable housing.
“Just as every house needs a solid foundation, the affordable housing leaders of tomorrow will require education and inspiration to help them fulfill their potential and move forward,” said DRF board member, Michael Bodaken. “One way that we can help to increase accessibility of quality education is by providing tuition assistance to students in need.”
For the 2021/2022 academic year, DRF proudly provided donations to fund scholarships for deserving students pursuing studies at the University of Maryland School of Public Policy; the University of Maryland School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation program for graduate studies; and the University of Baltimore. Learn more about these deserving recipients and their academic institutions HERE. These particular institutions of higher learning were selected because they are the alma maters of David Reznick and Mark Einstein, founding Chairman of the David Reznick Foundation and a close friend and business partner of David’s.
And for the 2022/2023 academic year, in recognition of the role that tax and accounting initiatives play in furthering the cause of affordable housing, DRF funded accounting scholarships to eight Bowie State University accounting students. Learn more about some of these deserving recipients HERE.
SUPPORT FOR EMERGING DEVELOPERS
The David Reznick Foundation is providing financial support and mentorship to two of this year’s winners of the University of Baltimore Real Estate Fellows program, created to help meet a need for more “middle market” affordable housing in Baltimore—a mission in line with David Reznick’s life-long commitment to preserving affordable housing and supporting community revitalization. Learn more about these deserving recipients and their development projects HERE.
“With these additional financial contributions, we continue to honor one of David Reznick’s greatest strengths—mentoring those professionals just getting started in the affordable housing industry to develop new projects and build capacity to develop future deals,” said Foundation President, Sharon Dworkin Bell.
FUTURE INITIATIVES
Finally, the Foundation is actively pursuing relationships with other universities and non-profit organizations to broaden the scope of its work and the number of students and organizations it serves. Look for announcements of these new alliances in the near future.
ABOUT THE DAVID REZNICK FOUNDATION
From revitalizing communities to mentoring the leaders of tomorrow, the David Reznick Foundation creates long-term progress within the affordable housing industry by facilitating opportunities for individuals and organizations alike. For more information visit https://www.davidreznickfoundation.org/.
