NELSON, B.C. — A Nelson-based real estate professional has launched an initiative designed to connect property buyers and sellers with vetted agents around the world while directing financial support to charitable causes.
Alison Watt, a long-time realtor in Nelson, B.C., has unveiled The Watt Project, a platform that pledges to donate half of all referral fees earned through property transactions to charities and non-profit organizations chosen by clients.
The program is built around a simple idea: when buyers or sellers engage with The Watt Project, they are matched with a top-tier real estate professional in their local market. After the transaction closes, Watt donates 50 per cent of the referral fee to a registered charity or non-profit of the client’s choice.
“There is NO catch and NO additional fees,” Watt emphasizes on the project’s website, www.thewattproject.com.
Building a Giving Model Through Real Estate
Watt, who has been in the real estate business for more than a decade, said the model is intended to transform the process of buying and selling property into an opportunity for social impact.
“When you contact THE WATT PROJECT, Ali will connect you with a vetted, top-tier Real Estate Professional in your area who will help you with all of your Real Estate needs,” the release states. “Once the transaction finalizes, Ali will donate 50% of the referral fee to any Charity or Non-Profit Organization of the Buyer or Seller’s choice.”
The structure is designed to operate seamlessly across markets, making the platform accessible to clients “anywhere in the world.” By positioning the project globally, Watt hopes the initiative will extend far beyond her small-town roots in Nelson.
A Streamlined Approach
According to Watt, the mechanics of the program are straightforward. Referral fees, which are commonly paid between agents for client introductions, form the financial base of the model. Rather than absorbing the full referral commission, The Watt Project redirects half toward charitable giving.
“It is a simple process streamlined process, and anyone considering buying or selling a property can utilize the platform,” Watt explained.
Community Roots and Global Aspirations
Watt’s professional and personal story is central to the project’s identity. As a single mother of two boys and an active member of the Nelson community, she brings a strong personal motivation to the initiative.
“Ali is a single mom of two boys, an active member of her community, and has been a Real Estate Professional for over a decade,” the release notes. “Ali is hopeful that THE WATT PROJECT will make an impact in the world, and help touch the lives of many people.”
The emphasis on giving back to communities “in need, across the globe” reflects both her local grounding and her international vision.
A Call for Engagement
Watt is asking for help in spreading awareness of the project, appealing directly to individuals and organizations who see value in tying everyday property transactions to charitable outcomes.
“Please contact Ali so we can share this project and get the word out!” the release concludes.
Business and Social Context
The Watt Project enters a market where socially responsible business models are gaining traction across Canada. Corporate social responsibility and community-based giving are increasingly viewed as differentiators in competitive industries, particularly in real estate, where transactions often generate substantial referral income.
By institutionalizing charitable giving within the referral structure, Watt positions her initiative as both a practical service for buyers and sellers and a philanthropic channel for organizations in need of funding.
While the initiative is still in its early stages, its model reflects a broader shift in business thinking: aligning core professional services with causes that generate measurable community impact. For Watt, the measure of success will not only be in transactions completed but also in the funds directed to charities worldwide.
