Community Outreach

Building Better Communities Starts Here

REALTORS® make a difference where they live and work — and NAR’s Community Outreach program helps them do it.

Through five targeted grants, expert guidance, and customizable resources, NAR’s Community Outreach program empowers REALTORS®—in partnership with their state and local associations—to lead on affordable housing, fair housing, community planning, placemaking, and rural development

Take action. Build partnerships, shape policy, and strengthen your community with support from NAR’s Community Outreach Grants and Services.

These tools help associations lead meaningful change and strengthen the communities they serve.

Take Action with a Community Outreach Grant

State and local REALTOR® associations can apply for grants in Housing Opportunity, Smart Growth, Placemaking, Rural Outreach, and Fair Housing to support advocacy, education, and engagement efforts.

Grant Levels:

Level 1: Up to $3,000 for speakers, classes, stakeholder meetings and temporary placemaking projects.
Level 2: Up to $7,500 for partnership-led initiatives and permanent placemaking projects.
Level 3: Up to $15,000 for broader community impact initiatives (Housing Opportunity & Smart Growth only).

Each association may receive one grant per level each year.

Applications: Open January 5 – October 15, 2026 (or until funds are fully committed).

In 2026, the 10% financial commitment requirement is waived under Right Tools, Right Now.

Find inspiration and ideas through the Community Outreach Grant Toolkits and Success Stories.

Important Notice: 2025 Application Period Now Closed

Due to overwhelming demand, the Community Outreach Grant program has reached capacity before the October 15 deadline.
Applications will reopen on January 5th, 2026.

We thank the many REALTOR® associations who applied this year and commend your efforts to advance community development, housing opportunity, and fair housing across the country.

To prepare for the next cycle, consider scheduling a Community Outreach Planning Session to explore tailored strategies and project ideas for future grant applications.

Strengthen Your Advocacy with these Resources

Land Use Initiative (LUI)

Receive expert legislative analysis on proposed land-use measures—such as zoning changes, comprehensive plan updates, or ordinances—that may affect real estate and property rights. The program provides detailed memos and talking points to support your advocacy efforts.

Growth Management Fact Book

Access the most comprehensive overview of modern growth management techniques—from cluster zoning and urban growth boundaries to parking reform and missing middle housing strategies. The Fact Book helps associations develop informed positions on local planning and development issues.

Transforming Neighborhoods

Partner with the Counselors of Real Estate® (CRE) Consulting Corps to address complex local challenges such as commercial disinvestment, housing gaps, brownfield reuse, or post-disaster recovery. Associations receive analysis, strategies, and actionable recommendations.

State & Local Growth Polling Program

Collaborate with NAR’s public opinion research firm to survey 400+ local voters on growth-related issues. Use the findings to educate officials and influence public policy decisions in your community.

On Common Ground Magazine

Access On Common Ground that fosters dialogue on smart growth among REALTORS®, elected officials, and planners. Associations can share digitally with stakeholders as an effective outreach tool.

Plan Your Next Steps

Schedule a Virtual Community Outreach Planning Session
Meet one-on-one with NAR staff via Zoom to brainstorm project ideas, understand available grants, and craft compelling applications that tackle your community’s housing, planning, and fair housing challenges.

Connect with the Community Outreach Team

Christine Windle – Director, Community Outreach
Housing Opportunity Grants, Land Use Initiative, Transforming Neighborhoods
📞 202-383-1135 | ✉️ cwindle@nar.realtor
Hugh Morris – Manager, Community Development and Growth
Smart Growth Grants, State & Local Polling, Growth Management Fact Book, On Common Ground Magazine
📞 202-383-1278 | ✉️ hmorris@nar.realtor
Hannah Dannenfelser – Manager, Grants and Resources
Fair Housing, Placemaking, and Rural Outreach Grants
📞 202-383-1132 | ✉️ hdannenfelser@nar.realtor