Housing Opportunity FAQs

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.

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.

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.

Is there anything that grant funds cannot be used for?

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
  • 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
  • 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

How far in advance should I submit a grant application?

All applications are accepted on a rolling basis between January 1 and October 15, and should be submitted at least 30 days before the date of the activity. Applications will not be considered for events that have already taken place or for activities completed prior to submission. Decisions about Level 1 and 2 applications are made within about a week of submission; Level 3, within about two weeks.

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

Multiple associations can apply for funding for the same activity. However, the combined funding request cannot exceed the maximum award for the grant level. In addition, please note NAR’s Territorial Jurisdiction Policy.

What criteria are used to judge Level 2 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?

What criteria are used to judge Level 3 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?

Is my association required to submit an evaluation after our activity is completed?

Yes, recipients must submit an evaluation after completion of the activity. Please note that the completed evaluation is required as part of the funding disbursement process.

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 3, 2022 through December 31, 2023.

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) and complete an online evaluation about the grant activity.

Funding Process Details

The association is required to submit proof of funds spent totaling the amount of the grant award. Acceptable forms of proof include invoices, fully executed contracts, and receipts for items purchased.

The activity and request for reimbursement must take place within one year of grant approval notification from NAR in order to be eligible for funding reimbursement.

The association must submit an evaluation after completion of the activity.

Questions? Email HousingOpportunityGrants@nar.realtor