Smart Growth Grant – 2026 Timeline & Status

📅 Application Period:
Opens January 5, 2026 and remains open through October 15, 2026, or until funds are fully committed.

📊 Current Status:
Applications have reached 88% of total budget capacity as Wednesday, March 11th, 2026.

💳 Reimbursement Deadline:
All reimbursement requests must be submitted by December 18, 2026.

📩 Questions?

To explore how a Smart Growth Grant can support your association’s initiatives, contact Christine Windle, Director of Community Development Advocacy, or schedule a CDA Planning Session for tailored guidance

Smart Growth Grants support state and local REALTOR® associations’ efforts to advance programs, policies and initiatives aligned with two or more of the 10 Smart Growth Principles. Applications open January 5 2026 through October 15, 2026, or until commitment levels reach 100%. In 2026, the 10% financial commitment requirement is waived for associations under Right Tools, Right Now.

Questions? Email SmartGrowthGrants@nar.realtor or Christine Windle at 202-383-1135

Frequently Asked Questions
Ideas for Using a Smart Growth Grant and Success Stories
NEW! Smart Growth Toolkit
REALTOR® Party Success Stories

Level 1 Grants

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. (Note: the grant no longer supports hosting NAR’s Smart Growth for the 21st Century class)  Activities may include a class or forum, a speaker(s) who can address specific smart growth issues or a meeting with stakeholders to develop coalition efforts.

Details:

  • Maximum award: $3,000.
  • Associations may receive one Level 1 Smart Growth grant per calendar year.
  • Funds are disbursed using a reimbursement process.
  • Reimbursement request must be submitted by December 15, 2026.
  • Grant recipients must complete an evaluation form for the supported activity.

→ LEVEL 1 SMART GROWTH GRANT APPLICATION

Level 2 Grants

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

Details:

  • Maximum award: $7,500.
  • Associations may receive one Level 2 Smart Growth grant per calendar year.
  • Funds are disbursed using a reimbursement process.
  • Reimbursement request must be submitted by December 15, 2026.
  • Grant recipients must complete an evaluation form for the supported activity.

→ LEVEL 2 SMART GROWTH GRANT APPLICATION

Level 3 Grants

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.

Details:

  • Maximum award: $15,000.
  • Associations may receive one Level 3 Smart Growth grant per calendar year.
  • Funds are disbursed using a reimbursement process.
  • Reimbursement request must be submitted by December 15, 2026.
  • Grant recipients must complete an evaluation form for the supported activity.

→ LEVEL 3 SMART GROWTH GRANT APPLICATION

Smart Growth Grant Resources

Smart Growth Grant Toolkit for REALTOR® Associations
The toolkit is a collection of strategies, resources, and success stories meant to inspire REALTORS® and associations on the ways they can help improve their community’s land use and transportation systems for long-term success.

Smart Growth Learning Lab Recording 
The Learning Lab recording from April 2025 titled “Smart Growth Learning Lab” on the Community Outreach webinar page provides information and examples of how NAR grants and resources can help your association champion key initiatives – from land use to housing opportunities.

Success Story Database
Search the phrase “Smart Growth” in the REALTOR® Party Success Story database to read numerous examples of successes from state and local associations around the country who are working to expand housing access.