Community Outreach

Champion Industry Issues with Community Outreach Grants and Services

NAR’s Community Outreach program positions REALTORS® as community leaders and collaborators through their associations. It offers five different grants, technical assistance, and resources to match affordable housing, fair housing, community planning and development, placemaking, rural-related advocacy, education, and engagement objectives for state and local REALTOR® associations.

Take action with help from a Community Outreach Grant

State and local REALTOR® associations can apply for a Community Outreach Grant for Housing Opportunity, Smart Growth, Placemaking, Rural Outreach and Fair Housing advocacy, engagement, and education. Grants offer levels 1 and 2 (up to $3,000 and $7,500 respectively), with Housing Opportunity and Smart Growth offering level 3 (up to $15,000). Each association can receive one grant per level each year, and grant applications are available online (login required). Applications are open December 4, 2024 through October 15, 2025 or until commitment levels reach 100%. In 2025, the 10% financial commitment requirement is waived for associations under Right Tools, Right Now. For inspiration on how to leverage grant use, associations can explore grant toolkits and success stories.

Important, please read: Community Outreach Grant Application Update: Reaching Capacity Soon

Due to overwhelming interest, the Community Outreach Grant program is nearing full capacity well ahead of the scheduled October 15, 2025 application deadline. With strong demand for grants supporting Fair Housing, Housing Opportunity, Smart Growth, Placemaking, and Rural Outreach initiatives, we anticipate closing the application window early as commitment levels have reached 85% of budget.

Once capacity is reached, the application period will close and reopen early January 2026.

We understand the importance of these grants to our REALTOR® associations and encourage you to apply soon if you are planning an eligible initiative. Be sure to visit this page regularly for the latest updates.

For questions, please contact:
Christine Windle
Director, Community Outreach
202-383-1135 | cwindle@nar.realtor

Customizable Community Outreach Resource Brochure for State and Local REALTOR® Associations

Customize the Community Outreach Resource Brochure (8.5 x 11, trifold, power point) to share with government officials and staff for leveraging Community Outreach Grants. Use the Instruction Guide to add your association’s mission statement, advocacy priorities, and contact info.

NAR Community Outreach Promotional Video

Use the Land Use Initiative to Support Your Advocacy Efforts

As a community leader, your association creates a positive real estate and business environment. The Land Use Initiative analyzes and provides talking points for proposed land-use and real estate transactional measures (comprehensive plans, amendments, legislation, ordinances, or regulations) that impact REALTORS® and property transfers

Get the Facts on Modern Growth Management Techniques

The Growth Management Fact Book offers a comprehensive overview of growth management techniques (e.g., urban growth boundaries, cluster zoning) for REALTOR® associations to develop informed policy positions on growth-related issues. A recent update includes the latest trends in parking reform, planning for equity, missing middle housing strategies, and links to NAR resources on all topics.

Tackle Top-of-Mind Real Estate Issues with Transforming Neighborhoods

Through Transforming Neighborhoods, local associations can apply to receive expert analysis, plans, and actionable recommendations on real estate challenges (e.g., commercial disinvestment, housing gaps, brownfield reuse, natural disaster response) via the Counselors of Real Estate® (CRE) Consulting Corps.

Leverage the State & Local Polling Program to Advance Growth Priorities

The State and Local Growth Polling program allows REALTOR® associations to conduct surveys on growth-related issues in their areas. Associations can work with NAR’s public opinion firm to survey the opinions of local/state residents, with the results used to influence local and state government officials. Surveys usually involve 400 registered voters in the defined area.

Use On Common Ground to Open Doors to Smart Growth

On Common Ground magazine is published biannually (May and November) and presents various perspectives on smart growth issues to encourage dialogue among REALTORS®, elected officials, and other stakeholders. State and local REALTOR® associations can order bulk amounts of the magazine for use as a leave-behind when visiting local officials or provide NAR with a mailing list for delivery.

Sign up for a Community Outreach Virtual Planning Session to brainstorm ways to use Community Outreach Grants and Resources to support advocacy efforts.

State and local associations can schedule a one-on-one session with staff via Zoom to learn how to leverage a grant to support affordable housing challenges, community planning and development issues, revitalization opportunities, and fair housing education. The session also includes an overview of critical steps to success in developing grant ideas, accessing resources, and writing a compelling application.

For more information about these programs, contact: