REALTORS® don’t just sell real estate, they sell communities—and stronger communities mean better marketplaces for brokerages.
Through the National Association of REALTORS®’ (NAR) Community Outreach Program, local and state associations can access grants to strengthen their communities by promoting pro-real estate legislation and addressing key issues like community revitalization, homeownership rights and fair housing.
This program allows associations and brokerages to work together to advance community development and policy priorities. Associations apply for and manage the grants while brokerages bring their extensive networks and ear-to-the-ground expertise to strengthen the project. The grants provide an advocacy platform and a pathway to tangible, long-term solutions for the issues that matter most in your community.
Transform a vacant lot. Begin building a more inclusive neighborhood by breaking down barriers to housing. Get expert guidance on protecting property owners from unfavorable ordinances. Underwrite a study to advocate for better transit options. The possibilities are endless, and the Community Outreach team works closely with associations to offer advice on grant applications and share success stories.
All REALTOR® associations are eligible to apply for Community Outreach Grants. Check in with your local association executive to discuss what type of collaborative project would be most beneficial for your community within these grant categories:
Housing Opportunity
Housing Opportunity Grants support education and advocacy efforts to overcome obstacles, including high costs, low inventory, rental shortages, community opposition and strict regulations. These grants help address critical shortages of accessible, affordable housing while creating new business opportunities for REALTORS®.
Smart Growth
Smart Growth Grants focus on improving lives by making communities more livable, sustainable, healthy and prosperous. Through planned economic and community development, smart growth allows for a range of housing opportunities, including affordable options, convenient and varied transportation choices, unique places for all to enjoy, and ample open space and natural areas.
Placemaking
Placemaking funding can help bring key partners together to work on a new play area, park, parklet, community garden, walking trail, dog park, bike path or pedestrian plaza. These projects create community gathering spots, attract new visitors, build connections between neighbors and benefit members by boosting business.
Fair Housing
Fair housing issues impact every NAR member and all communities—not just specific markets, demographics or neighborhoods. Brokerages and local associations can become part of the solution by using Fair Housing Grants to support fair and equal access to housing through programs and partnerships that build awareness and champion advocacy efforts.
Rural Outreach
Rural communities are struggling with many of the same problems as urban centers, in addition to difficulties brought on by population loss, lack of access to broadband and other resources, and underlying socioeconomic issues. Rural Outreach Grants enable associations to confront the real estate-related issues facing rural communities for the benefit of residents—and REALTORS®.
Community Outreach Grants bring REALTOR® associations, brokerages, local leaders and residents together in pursuit of common goals that strengthen communities, enhance local business environments and create a better place to live for all. Encourage your local association to take advantage of this exciting and impactful program.
Find more information at realtorparty.realtor/community-outreach. Reach out to your local association to learn how your brokerage can get involved. See success stories at realtorparty.realtor/news/success-stories.
