Who is eligible to apply for Placemaking 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

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 or the Spaces to Places Blog for additional inspiration

Successful examples include:

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 , Spaces to Places Blog and the Placemaking Guide for REALTOR® Associations (coming soon!) for tips on conducting activities.

The following are eligible uses of grant funds:

  • Building and Landscaping Materials
  • Construction related fees
  • Playground, recreational equipment and benches
  • REALTOR Association Project Plaque

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
  • Registration fees and travel related expenses for REALTORS®
  • Fundraising contributions or money to hold a fundraiser
  • Cash prizes or purchase of gifts and prizes
  • Projects that benefit a single/select group of property owner(s)
  • Projects that have already been completed prior to submission of application
  • Projects with a total budget of $500,000 or more
  • Projects on private property
  • Projects on private or public school property

How far in advance should I submit a grant application?

All applications are accepted on a rolling basis between January 2 and October 15 (or until commitment level has reached capacity) and should be submitted at least 30 days before the date of the project. Decisions about Level 1 and 2 applications are made within two weeks of submission.

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 project.  However, associations cannot submit reimbursement for the same expense. In addition, please note NAR’s Territorial Jurisdiction Policy.

What criteria are used to evaluate 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 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 PlacemakingGrants@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? Contact Hannah Dannenfelser, hdannenfelser@nar.realtor or PlacemakingGrants@nar.realtor.