Housing Opportunity GrantsA

Community Outreach Grant Application Period Closed for 2023 The Community Outreach Grants have surpassed expectations in popularity.  The response and demand for Fair Housing, Housing Opportunity, Smart Growth, Placemaking, and Rural Outreach grants have been overwhelming, leading us to reach maximum capacity before the application period’s scheduled end on October 15th, 2023. As a result, the application window is now closed and will reopen on Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024.  We would like to express our gratitude to all the REALTOR® associations who have shown immense interest in these grants. We understand the significance of these grants to your organizations and the positive impact they can have on your community development and fair housing related efforts. We strongly encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity and sign up for a Community Outreach Planning Session. These sessions will provide a platform to discuss innovative ways to leverage a grant in 2024, allowing you to maximize the benefits for your association. Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to Christine Windle at cwindle@nar.realtor or call 202-383-1135. We are here to assist you and provide any necessary support throughout this process.

Housing Opportunity Grants support state and local REALTOR® Associations’ activities that create or improve systems, programs, and policies that expand access to housing that is affordable. The goal of the program is to position REALTORS® as leaders in improving their communities by creating affordable housing opportunities.

Questions? Email HousingOpportunityGrants@nar.realtor or Christine Windle, cwindle@nar.realtor.

Frequently Asked Questions 
Ideas for Using a Housing Opportunity Grant

Level One

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.

Details:

  • Applications are accepted on a rolling basis from January 3 through October 16, 2023; decisions announced within approximately one week.
  • Maximum award: $3,000.
  • Associations may receive one Level 1 grant per calendar year.
  • Funds are disbursed using a reimbursement process.
  • Approved activity and reimbursement request must take place within one year of grant approval to be eligible for funding reimbursement.
  • Grant recipients must complete an evaluation form for the supported activity.

LEVEL 1 HOUSING OPPORTUNITY GRANT APPLICATION
HOUSING OPPORTUNITY GRANT EVALUATION FORM
 HOUSING OPPORTUNITY REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST FORM

Download examples of successful Level 1 Housing Opportunity Grant Applications.

Level Two

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.

Details:

  • Applications are accepted on a rolling basis from January 3 through October 16, 2023; decisions announced within approximately one week.
  • Maximum award: $7,500.
  • Associations may receive one Level 2 grant per calendar year.
  • Funds are disbursed using a reimbursement process.
  • Approved activity and reimbursement request must take place within one year of grant approval to be eligible for funding reimbursement.
  • Grant recipients must complete an evaluation form for the supported activity.

LEVEL 2 HOUSING OPPORTUNITY GRANT APPLICATION
HOUSING OPPORTUNITY GRANT EVALUATION FORM
 HOUSING OPPORTUNITY REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST FORM

Level Three

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.

Details:

  • Level 3 application form requires an authorization code for completion. Email HousingOpportunityGrants@nar.realtor for information.
  • Applications are accepted on a rolling basis from January 3 through October 16, 2023; decisions announced within approximately two weeks.
  • Maximum award: $15,000.
  • Associations may receive one Level 3 grant per calendar year.
  • Funds are disbursed using a reimbursement process.
  • Approved activity and reimbursement request must take place within one year of grant approval to be eligible for funding reimbursement.
  • Grant recipients must complete an evaluation form for the supported activity.

LEVEL 3 HOUSING OPPORTUNITY GRANT APPLICATION
HOUSING OPPORTUNITY GRANT EVALUATION FORM
 HOUSING OPPORTUNITY REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST FORM

Download examples of successful Level 3 Housing Opportunity Grant Applications.

Questions? Email HousingOpportunityGrants@nar.realtor or Christine Windle, cwindle@nar.realtor.