REALTORS® have a unique opportunity to lead positive change—not just in real estate, but in the neighborhoods they serve. Did you know there are grants available to help you make a real impact? From revitalizing public spaces to supporting housing initiatives, these resources are designed to empower REALTORS® to be strong community partners and stewards. Explore the possibilities and see how you can turn great ideas into meaningful action!
Fair Housing Grants
Fair Housing grants support state and local REALTOR® association activities that promote partnerships with community organizations to create or improve systems, programs, and policies that advance fair housing and homeownership opportunities.
- Level 2 Fair Housing grants support activities that address fair housing issues in a community. Activities should have a broad community reach. Associations are encouraged to collaborate with local agencies or organizations that further the fair housing mission. Activities may include hosting a fair housing symposium that is marketed beyond REALTOR® membership, developing fair housing curriculum, or creating fair housing educational materials.
Housing Opportunity Grants
Housing Opportunity Grants support state and local REALTOR® Associations’ activities that create or improve systems, programs, and policies that expand access to housing that is affordable.
- Level 2 Housing Opportunity Grants support activities that address affordable housing issues in a community. Activities should have a broad community reach. Associations are encouraged to collaborate with local agencies and organizations that are working to expand access to housing that is affordable. Activities may include a housing forum; a consumer-facing housing expo; or a housing study/analysis.
- Level 3 Housing Opportunity grants support new projects or enhance existing efforts that have growth potential. Activities previously funded by a Housing Opportunity grant are not eligible. The activity must involve working with at least one non-REALTOR® primary partner organization (e.g. housing nonprofit, government agency, local employer, etc.). Activities must be comprehensive, have a broad community reach, and significant REALTOR® involvement. One-time events (such as a forum) or activities with limited REALTOR® involvement (such as studies/analyses) are not eligible for funding.
Smart Growth Grants
Smart Growth Grants support state and local REALTOR® associations’ efforts to advance programs, policies and initiatives aligned with one or more of the 10 Smart Growth Principles.
- Level 1 Smart Growth grants support efforts to educate REALTORS® and community stakeholders about smart growth topics including hosting a Planning & Zoning Resource: Advocating for your Community’s Future class.
- Level 2 Smart Growth grant supports activities to engage in local land-use, growth and transportation issues with other stakeholders and elected officials which will have an impact on policies. These activities could include community planning and input sessions, development of comprehensive plans and zoning policies, studies, research and reports
- Level 3 Smart Growth Grant supports comprehensive initiatives leading to long-term impact in a community with significant REALTOR® and public and private stakeholder involvement.
Placemaking Grants
Placemaking Grants fund state and local REALTOR® association-led projects that create new, outdoor public gathering spaces and destinations in a community on unused or underused sites. The goal of the program is to enable REALTORS® to strengthen ties with their community, to develop relationships with public officials, and to spur economic growth and development through the creation of new public gathering places. Support for improvements to existing places (for example: benches, playground equipment, and signs within existing public spaces) are permitted.
- Level 1 Placemaking grants fund outdoor demonstration and temporary projects to test a project’s viability or inspire permanent projects that increase community livability and downtown revitalization.
- Level 2 Placemaking grant funds the creation of new outdoor public spaces and destinations in a community accessible to everyone and open at all, or most, times such as trails and trailheads, playgrounds, pocket parks, parklets, pedestrian plazas, community gardens, public gardens, dog parks, downtown gathering spots and alley activations.
- Placemaking Grants now allow funding of improvements to existing placemaking spaces, such as adding street benches, lamps and/or wayfinding signs.
For additional information, please contact the Government Affairs Director, Mary Huttlinger.