Placemaking Grant 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

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 Placemaking grants support outdoor demonstration and temporary projects to test a project’s viability or inspire permanent projects that help increase community livability and revitalization. Activities may include temporary & pop-up parklets, parks, pedestrian plazas, bike lanes. Review the Ideas for Using a Placemaking Grant for additional inspiration

How can the Level 2 grant be used?

Level 2 Placemaking Grants support the creation of new outdoor public spaces and destinations in a community accessible to everyone and open at all, or most, times. Activities may include trails and trailheads, playgrounds, pocket parks, parklets, pedestrian plazas, community gardens, public gardens, dog parks, downtown gathering spots and alley activations. The grant may also fund community asset improvements such as street benches, lamps and/or wayfinding signs as well as improvements to existing spaces. Review the Ideas for Using a Placemaking Grant for additional inspiration and the Placemaking Guide for REALTOR® Associations for tips on conducting activities.

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
  • 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 3 and October 16, and should be submitted at least 30 days before the date of the activity. Decisions about Level 1 and 2 applications are made within about a week of submission.

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 Placemaking Program Goals

Does the proposed activity create a new outdoor public space or destination that is accessible to everyone and open at all, or most, times? Does the proposed activity fund community asset improvements such as street benches, lamps and/or wayfinding signs as well as improvements to existing spaces? Will it strengthen the relationship between REALTORS®, the community and local public officials? Does the activity have the potential to spur revitalization or economic improvement?

Articulation of Issue

Does the applicant thoroughly explain the how the new space or asset improvement will benefit the community

Level of commitment

Does the proposed activity involve a significant level of commitment in terms of member involvement, financial contribution, and staff time? Is my association required to submit an evaluation after our activity is completed?

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

Yes, recipients must submit an evaluation after completion of the project. Pictures and videos are encouraged. 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 project 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? Contact Hugh Morris, hmorris@nar.realtor or PlacemakingGrants@nar.realtor.