Community Development Advocacy

Community Development Advocacy Program

NAR’s Community Development Advocacy (CDA) Program empowers REALTOR® associations to lead where it matters most—shaping stronger, more livable communities. Through strategic grants, expert guidance, and proven resources, CDA helps turn local vision into real impact—expanding housing opportunities, advancing fair housing, supporting rural initiatives and driving smart growth.

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:

Grant 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.

📄 Access the Application Portal

Application Timeline

Applications are open January 5 – October 15, 2026, or until funds are fully committed.

Current Status:

Community Development Advocacy Grant Program Reaches Capacity and Now Closed
Interest in the Community Development Advocacy (CDA) Grant Program has been strong this year, and funding is now fully committed ahead of the October 15 application deadline. The program will reopen January 2027. Thank you to the many REALTOR® associations across the country leveraging CDA grants to advance housing supply, livable communities, and community development initiatives. Questions? Christine Windle, cwindle@nar.realtor

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.

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 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.