Who is eligible to apply for Housing Opportunity grants?

Applications can only be submitted by a state or local REALTOR® association.

What are the maximum funding amounts?

There are three levels of funding. Requests may be made up to the noted maximums; however, a lesser amount may be awarded based on the evaluation of the application.

  • Level 1 – $3,000 maximum award
  • Level 2 – $7,500 maximum award
  • Level 3 – $15,000 maximum award

How many grants can my association receive in a calendar year?

An association can receive a maximum of one grant per funding level, each calendar year.

How can the Level 1 grant be used?

Level 1 Housing Opportunity grants support efforts to educate REALTORS® and the public about housing affordability topics. Activities may include a class or forum; a speaker(s) who can address specific affordable housing issues; or a meeting with community stakeholders to develop coalition efforts. Review the Ideas for Using a Housing Opportunity Grant for additional inspiration and Expanding Housing Opportunity: A Toolkit for REALTORS® and Associations for tips on conducting activities.

How can the Level 2 grant be used?

Level 2 Housing Opportunity Grants support activities that address affordable housing issues in a community. Activities should have a broad community reach. Associations are encouraged to collaborate with local agencies and organizations that are working to expand access to housing that is affordable. Activities may include a housing forum; a consumer-facing housing expo; or a housing study/analysis. Review the Ideas for Using a Housing Opportunity Grant for additional inspiration and Expanding Housing Opportunity: A Toolkit for REALTORS® and Associations for tips on conducting activities.

Successful examples include:

How can the Level 3 grant be used?

Level 3 Housing Opportunity grants support new projects or enhance existing efforts that have growth potential. Activities previously funded by a Housing Opportunity grant are not eligible. The activity must involve working with at least one non-REALTOR® primary partner organization (e.g. housing nonprofit, government agency, local employer, etc.). Activities must be comprehensive, have a broad community reach, and significant REALTOR® involvement. One-time events (such as a forum) or activities with limited REALTOR® involvement (such as studies/analyses) are not eligible for funding.

Successful examples include:

The following are eligible uses of grant funds:

  • Instructor or consultant fees
  • Venue rental
  • Refreshments
  • Creation of marketing and event/education related materials

The following are not eligible uses of grant funds:

  • REALTOR® association staff time/hours including contract staff
  • General operating expenses for the REALTOR® association or partner organization
  • Purchase of capital equipment such as cameras, speakers, lights, mics, computers, printers. Rentals are permitted.
  • Donations to an organization or person including down payment or closing cost assistance
  • Landscaping materials, home furnishings, or similar items
  • Materials for construction/rehab of a property or purchase of land
  • Sponsorship without significant member and leadership engagement
  • Registration fees and travel related expenses for REALTORS® attending events
  • Fundraising contributions or money to hold a fundraiser
  • Cash prizes or purchase of gifts and prizes
  • In-house association classroom rental fee
  • Activities that benefit a single/select group of property owner(s)
  • Subscription fees for videoconferencing services or other software licenses.
  • Initiatives that have already taken place or completed prior to application submission

How far in advance should I submit a grant application?

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis between January 2nd and October 15 or until commitment level reaches capacity, and should be submitted at least 30 days before the date of the activity. Approval notifications are forwarded up to two weeks from submittal.

Can we apply for a grant outside of our territorial jurisdiction?

NAR adopted a policy that state and local REALTOR® Associations may only use advocacy resources provided by the REALTOR® Party for advocacy activity within their territorial jurisdiction as defined by NAR unless use outside the association’s territorial jurisdiction is permitted by a written agreement among or policy applicable to all affected local and state association(s) regarding such use of advocacy resources, or the association in whose jurisdiction such advocacy will occur or NAR approves. The policy allows for an association to request REALTOR® Party funds for use outside of its territorial jurisdiction, and if the association in whose jurisdiction such activity will take place objects, the funds may be provided subject to review and approval by the appropriate NAR committee(s) overseeing REALTOR® Party activities. For more info see Territorial Jurisdiction Policy.

We are partnering with another REALTOR® association for an activity. Can we both apply for a grant?

Up to four associations can apply for funding for the same activity. However, association cannot submit for the same eligible expense. In addition, please note NAR’s Territorial Jurisdiction Policy.

What criteria are used to judge grant applications?

Alignment with Housing Opportunity Program goal

Does the proposed activity create or improve systems, programs, and policies that expand access to housing that is affordable and position REALTORS® as leaders in improving their communities by creating affordable housing opportunities?

Articulation of Issue

Does the applicant thoroughly explain the affordable housing issue that needs to be addressed?

Quality of the proposed activity

Is the proposed activity of high-quality with a clear purpose, well-defined action items, and measurable goals?

Level of commitment

Does the proposed activity involve a significant level of commitment in terms of member involvement, financial contribution, and staff time?

Strength of partnerships

Does the proposed activity create or expand strategic partnerships between REALTORS® and other key community partners (requirement for Levels 2 and 3 only)?

Is my association required to make a financial contribution toward our activity in order to qualify for a grant?

As part of NAR’s Right Tools, Right Now, the 10% financial contribution requirement is waived for any association that requests reimbursement between January 2nd, 2024 through December 31, 2024.

If my association is approved for a grant, when will we receive the funding?

Funds are disbursed through a reimbursement process. The association must submit required documentation (outlined below) one time and complete an online evaluation about the grant activity. Please note that if revenue (such as ticket sales) exceeds the cost of the initiative then no grant funds are paid.

Funding Process Details

Applications approved between January 2nd – October 15th, 2024, must file for reimbursement by December 13th, 2024.

Submit online evaluation form describing initiative impact. Upload pics, videos and press.

Submit reimbursement form, W9, proof of payment (receipts/cancelled checks) one time within 90 days of initiative completion to receive reimbursement. 10% Financial Commitment Requirement Waived under Right Tools, Right Now.

Note: Reimbursements will cover net expenses, not initiatives with net revenue. The reimbursement form submission requires total revenue and expenses, with reimbursements up to the grant award.

Can I change the scope of initiative after the application is approved?

Grant awards are made based on the initiative scope on the application. Reimbursements will not be issued for initiatives that were not approved. If your initiative scope has changed, please notify HousingOpportunityGrants@nar.realtor that you are withdrawing the approved grant and submit a new grant application by October 15th if commitment level has not reached capacity.

Questions? Email HousingOpportunityGrants@nar.realtor