Placemaking Toolkit: A Guide for REALTOR® Association Creation of Enduring Community Assets
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. Applications open December 4th 2024 through October 15, 2025, or until commitment levels reach 100%. Reimbursement request must be submitted by December 19, 2025. In 2025, the 10% financial commitment requirement is waived for associations under Right Tools, Right Now.
Please direct questions to PlacemakingGrants@nar.realtor or Hannah Dannenfelser.
Please note that only state and local REALTOR® associations are eligible for Placemaking Grants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ideas for Using a Placemaking Grant
Level One
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.
Details:
- Maximum award: $3,000.
- Associations may receive one Level 1 grant per calendar year.
- Grant recipients must complete an evaluation form for the supported activity.
- Please note: we are unable to offer extensions for delayed Placemaking Grants. If a delay will cause your association to miss the year deadline, please withdraw the grant until you know it is ready to move forward. You are then welcome to resubmit and receive your previous grant award. There is no penalty for withdrawing a grant and resubmitting.
Level 1 Placemaking Grant Application
Level Two
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.
Details:
- Maximum award: $7,500.
- Associations may receive one Level 2 grant per calendar year.
- Grant recipients must complete an evaluation form for the supported activity.
- Please note: we are unable to offer extensions for delayed Placemaking Grants. If a delay will cause your association to miss the year deadline, please withdraw the grant until you know it is ready to move forward. You are then welcome to resubmit and receive your previous grant award. There is no penalty for withdrawing a grant and resubmitting.
- Grant recipients must complete an evaluation form for the supported activity.
Level 2 Placemaking Grant Application
Placemaking Resources
- Placemaking Promotional Video (NEW!)
A promotional video (7:18) that spotlights the stories of numerous successful projects around the country. Shorter, individual stories pulled from the full-length video are also provided. This video could be used to share the Placemaking program with your members, Board, or even local leaders and elected officials in your community. - Placemaking Toolkit for REALTOR® Associations (RECENTLY UPDATED!)
The toolkit offers practical tips and showcases successful examples from associations nationwide, covering activities like parks, community gardens, and pedestrian plazas, serving as a valuable resource for enhancing community relationships and strategies. - Placemaking Grant Informational Flier (NEW!)
This double-sided informational flier provides information on the Placemaking grant, examples of projects, a summary of the grant criteria, and QR codes for additional information. Two versions: In House Printing/Digital Use OR Outsourced Printing with Print Shop. - Spaces to Places Blog
Read success stories from REALTOR® associations across the country who have used a Placemaking Grants to make a difference in their communities. A great source for Placemaking project ideas. - Smart Growth Grant
Read success stories from REALTOR® associations across the country who have used a Placemaking Grants to make a difference in their communities. A great source for Placemaking project ideas.