Due to overwhelming interest, the 2025 Rural Outreach Grant program has reached full capacity and is no longer accepting applications. The program will reopen in January 2026.

Thank you to all REALTOR® associations who applied. We value your commitment to advancing rural initiatives in your communities.

To prepare for the next cycle, contact Hannah Dannenfelser, Manager, Grants and Resources, or schedule a Community Outreach Planning Session for tailored support and ideas to help you make the most of future grant opportunities.

Fair Housing Toolkit

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. Applications open December 4th 2024 through October 15, 2025, or until commitment levels reach 100%.Reimbursement request must be submitted by December 19, 2025.  In 2025, the 10% financial commitment requirement is waived for associations under Right Tools, Right Now. 

Questions? Email RuralOutreachGrants@nar.realtor or Hannah Dannenfelser.

Frequently Asked Questions
Ideas for Using a Rural Outreach Grant and Success Stories

Level 1

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. 

RURAL OUTREACH GRANT LEVEL 1 APPLICATION

Level 2

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.

 RURAL OUTREACH GRANT LEVEL 2 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.