Rural Outreach Grant – 2026 Timeline & Status
📅 Application Period:
Opens January 5, 2026 and remains open through October 15, 2026, or until funds are fully committed.
📊 Current Status:
Applications have reached 70% of total budget capacity as Monday, March 2nd, 2026.
💳 Reimbursement Deadline:
All reimbursement requests must be submitted by December 18, 2026.
📩 Questions?
To explore how a Rural Outreach Grant can support your association’s initiatives, contact Christine Windle, Director of Community Development Advocacy, or schedule a CDA Planning Session for tailored guidance
Click to download Rural Outreach Toolkit
Rural Outreach Grants support state and local REALTOR® association initiatives, including trainings, forums, events, studies, and ordinance drafting, on a wide range of rural issues such broadband, well and septic, open space preservation, environmental standards, and planning and zoning issues that are unique to rural communities.
Questions? Email RuralOutreachGrants@nar.realtor or contact Christine Windle, Director, Community Development Advocacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ideas for Using a Rural Outreach Grant and Success Stories
Level 1 Grants
Level 1 Rural Outreach grants support efforts to educate REALTORS® about rural issues.
Details:
- Maximum award: $3,000.
- Associations may receive one Level 1 grant per calendar year.
- Funds are disbursed using a reimbursement process.
- Grant recipients must complete an evaluation form for the supported activity.
→ LEVEL 1 RURAL OUTREACH GRANT APPLICATION
Level 2 Grants
Level 2 Rural Outreach grants support initiatives, such as studies, events, public outreach on rural issues in partnership with public and private stakeholders.
Details:
- Maximum award: $7,500.
- Associations may receive one Level 2 grant per calendar year.
- Funds are disbursed using a reimbursement process.
- Grant recipients must complete an evaluation form for the supported activity.
→ LEVEL 2 RURAL OUTREACH GRANT APPLICATION
Rural Outreach Resources
Rural Outreach Grant Toolkit for REALTOR® Associations (NEW!)
The toolkit offers practical tips and showcases successful examples from associations nationwide, covering initiatives on topic areas like well & septic issues, open space, broadband access, and climate resilience. The toolkit serves as a valuable resource for associations serving rural municipalities and working to enhance community advocacy.
Rural Outreach Grant Webinar Recording (NEW!)
The webinar recording from June 2025 titled “Enhancing Rural Development Initiatives: NAR’s Rural Outreach grant” on the Community Outreach webinar page provides an overview of the Rural Outreach grant, success stories, and strategic tips on how your association can elevate its advocacy.
Success Story Database
Search the word “rural” in the REALTOR® Party Success Story database to read numerous examples of successes from state and local associations around the country who are serving rural areas and hosting rural initiatives.