Placemaking Grants fund state and local REALTOR® association projects that create new, outdoor public spaces and destinations in a community on unused or underused sites. The goal of the program is to enable REALTORS® to strengthen ties with their community, to develop relationships with public officials, and to spur economic growth and development through the creation of new public gathering places.

New in 2023! Placemaking Grants now allow funding of community asset improvements such as street benches, lamps and/or wayfinding signs as well as improvements to existing spaces.

Please direct questions to  PlacemakingGrants@nar.realtor or Catherine Mesick, cmesick@nar.realtor.

Please note that only state and local REALTOR associations are eligible for Placemaking Grants.

Frequently Asked Questions
Ideas for Using a Placemaking Grant

Level One

Level 1 Placemaking grants fund outdoor demonstration and temporary projects to test a project’s viability or inspire permanent projects that increase community livability and downtown revitalization.

Details:

• Applications are accepted on a rolling basis from January 3rd through October 16, 2023; decisions announced within approximately one week.
• Maximum award: $3,000.
• Associations may receive one Level 1 grant per calendar year.
• Approved activity 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.
• Please note: we are unable to offer extensions for delayed Placemaking Grants. If a delay will cause your association to miss the year deadline, please withdraw the grant until you know it is ready to move forward. You are then welcome to resubmit and receive your previous grant award. There is no penalty for withdrawing a grant and resubmitting.
• Grant recipients must complete an evaluation form for the supported activity.
• Note – 10% Grant Commitment Waived in 2023.  As part of NAR’s Right Tools, Right Now, the 10% financial contribution requirement is waived.

Level 1 Placemaking Grant Application
Placemaking Grant Reimbursement Request Form
Placemaking Grant Evaluation Form

Level Two

Level 2 Placemaking grant funds the creation of new outdoor public spaces and destinations in a community accessible to everyone and open at all, or most, times such as trails and trailheads, playgrounds, pocket parks, parklets, pedestrian plazas, community gardens, public gardens, dog parks, downtown gathering spots and alley activations. Review the Ideas for Using a Placemaking Grant for additional inspiration.

New in 2023! Placemaking Grants now allow funding of community asset improvements such as street benches, lamps and/or wayfinding signs as well as improvements to existing spaces.

Details:

• Applications are accepted on a rolling basis from January 3rd through October 16, 2023; decisions announced within approximately one week.
• Maximum award: $7,500.
• Associations may receive one Level 2 grant per calendar year.
• Approved activity 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.
• Please note: we are unable to offer extensions for delayed Placemaking Grants. If a delay will cause your association to miss the year deadline, please withdraw the grant until you know it is ready to move forward. You are then welcome to resubmit and receive your previous grant award. There is no penalty for withdrawing a grant and resubmitting.
• Grant recipients must complete an evaluation form for the supported activity.
• Note – 10% Grant Commitment Waived in 2023.  As part of NAR’s Right Tools, Right Now, the 10% financial contribution requirement is waived

Level 2 Placemaking Grant Application
Placemaking Grant Reimbursement Request Form
Placemaking Grant Evaluation Form

Placemaking Resources

NAR’s Placemaking program provides technical and financial assistance to help REALTOR® Associations and their members become engaged in placemaking in their communities. Available resources include the:

• Placemaking Guide for REALTOR® Associations
  Learn the details of Placemaking; the kinds of projects Placemaking entails and how to organize them; and where to go for assistance and resources.
• Spaces to Places Blog
  Read success stories from REALTOR® Associations across the country who have used Placemaking Grants to make a difference in their communities. A great source for Placemaking project ideas.
• Better Block Guide for Associations
  Read an overview of what a Better Block is and how you and your partners can plan and organize a Better Block. Ideas generated at a Better Block may lead to permanent Placemaking projects.
• Smart Growth Grant
  Funds the planning and community input activities related to Placemaking and land-use policies, such as Better Block events, Placemaking visioning and Main Street® analyses. A Smart Growth Grant can also be used to fund a Placemaking training event.

Questions? Contact Catherine Mesick, PlacemakingGrants@nar.realtor.