The Realty Foundation of New York started in 1954 to assist real estate brokers who were barely making enough money, The Wall Street Journal stated.

The foundation receives money from 75 real estate companies. Since its launch, the group has distributed $3.15 million to individual brokers.

"The perception of a real-estate broker is very skewed, especially in New York," said Patricia Frank, executive director of the RFNY. "People assume you're living the high life, but not everyone out there is making million-dollar deals."