Who is eligible to apply for Rural Outreach grants?

Applications can only be submitted by a state or local REALTOR® association.

What are the maximum funding amounts?

There are two grant levels.  Requests may be made up to the  maximum amount. 

  • Level 1 – $3,000 maximum.
  • Level 2 – $7,500 maximum

How many Rural Outreach grants can an association receive in a calendar year?

An association can receive one grant in each level per year.

What types of initiatives can the Level 1 Fund?

The grant can support hosting an education course, such as a well and septic class or a guest speaker to address a specific rural related issue. 

What types of initiative can the Level 2 Fund?

The grant can fund efforts such as conferences, forums, research, studies and ordinance drafting,  to advocate and engage in rural outreach issues with other stakeholders and elected officials. 

Successful examples include:

The following are eligible uses of grant funds:

  • Instructor or consultant fees
  • Venue rental
  • Refreshments
  • Creation of marketing and event/education related materials

The following are NOT eligible uses of grant funds:

  • REALTOR® association staff time/hours
  • General operating expenses
  • Purchase of capital equipment such as cameras, speakers, lights, mics, computers, printers. Rentals are permitted.
  • Materials for construction/rehab of a property or purchase of land
  • Fundraising contributions
  • Registration fees for REALTOR® education or other events
  • Landscaping materials or equipment
  • Donations, cash prizes or purchase of gifts and prizes
  • Projects that benefit a single property owner
  • Subscription fees for videoconferencing services or other software licenses.
  • Sponsorship of a conference that REALTORS® do not hold a leadership/planning role. 
  • Initiatives that have already taken place or completed prior to submission of application.

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 December 4, 2024 through October 15, 2025. 

How far in advance should I submit a grant application?

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis or until commitment level reaches capacity, and should be submitted at least 30 days before the date of the activity. Approval notifications are forwarded up to two weeks from submittal. 

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.

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 activity. However, association cannot submit for the same eligible expense. In addition, please note NAR’s Territorial Jurisdiction Policy.

What criteria is used to evaluate the grant applications?

The proposed initiative needs to address rural issues such broadband, well and septic, rural zoning and open space preservation. The initiative should advance education of REALTORS®, advance community development, or enhance association advocacy efforts. 

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 December 4, 2024 – October 15th, 2025, must file for reimbursement by December 19th, 2025. 

Submit online evaluation form describing initiative impact. Upload pictures, 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 RuralOutreachGrants@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 RuralOutreachGrants@nar.realtor.