Small towns and rural communities throughout the United States are looking for ways to strengthen their economies, provide better quality of life, and build on local assets. Many rural communities and small towns are facing challenges, including rapid growth at metropolitan edges, declining rural populations, and loss of open spaces and declining downtowns.[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text css=""]
Community Development Advocacy Program
NAR’s Community Development Advocacy (CDA) Program—formerly Community Outreach—empowers REALTOR® associations to strengthen their communities through effective advocacy, partnerships, and on-the-ground initiatives.
The program supports efforts that:
Expand housing options and housing supply
Advance fair housing and inclusive growth
Promote smart growth and sound land-use policy
Activate placemaking and support rural communities
Through grants, technical assistance, and expert resources, CDA helps associations engage local leaders, influence public policy, and position REALTORS® as trusted voices in building vibrant, inclusive, and resilient communities.
Take Action with a Community Development Advocacy Grant
State and local REALTOR® associations may apply for Community Development Advocacy Grants to support advocacy, education, and community engagement efforts in the following focus areas:
Housing OpportunitySmart GrowthPlacemakingRural OutreachFair HousingGrant Levels
Level 1 – Up to $3,000
Supports speakers, classes, stakeholder meetings, and temporary placemaking projects.
Level 2 – Up to $7,500
Supports partnership-driven initiatives and permanent placemaking projects.
Level 3 – Up to $15,000
Supports broader community-impact initiatives (Housing Opportunity and Smart Growth only).
Each association may receive one grant per level per year.
Application Timeline
Application Portal (link coming soon)
Applications are open January 5 – October 15, 2026, or until funds are fully committed.
2026 Update: The 10% financial commitment requirement is waived under NAR’s Right Tools, Right Now initiative.Explore Resources & Success Stories
Find inspiration, sample initiatives, and proven strategies through Community Development Advocacy Grant Toolkits,Success Stories, and Community Development Advocacy Webinars showcasing how associations across the country are driving meaningful local impact. Schedule a Virtual Community Development Advocacy Planning Session to brainstorm initiative ideas, understand available grants, and craft compelling applications that tackle community development challenges.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Development Advocacy 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 Development Advocacy 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
