GAR Grants Toolkit: Empowering Associations to Access NAR Funding
Purpose of this Toolkit
This toolkit was created by the Housing Opportunity Committee to help GAR member associations understand, access, and apply for NAR (National Association of REALTORS®) grants. Whether your association is focused on housing affordability, placemaking, or community outreach, this guide equips you with the knowledge and tools to successfully leverage NAR funding, increasing member engagement, and demonstrating REALTORS®) value.
Available NAR Grants
1. Diversity Grant
Designed to assist Associations in their efforts to support, strengthen, and collaborate with local chapters of national multicultural real estate associations. These grants also aim to expand homeownership opportunities, increase diversity within association leadership, and facilitate planning and discussion activities addressing racial disparities within communities.
Useful Ideas:
DEI initiatives, education class creation, cultural events, and partnerships with multicultural organizations.
2 Levels
Max Amount:
Up to $5,000
Application Deadline:
Rolling basis beginning January 1st of each year
Apply through:
2. Fair Housing Grant
Promotes partnerships with community organizations to create or improve systems, programs, and policies that advance fair housing awareness, education, and homeownership opportunities.
Useful Ideas:
Hosting events, webinars, or campaigns around fair housing issues.
2 Levels
Max Amount:
Up to $7,500
Application Deadline:
October 15th, or until commitment levels reach 100%
Apply through:
3. Housing Opportunity Grant
Supports activities that create or improve systems, programs, and policies that expand access to affordable housing.
The program goal is to position REALTORS® as leaders in improving their communities by creating affordable housing opportunities.
Useful Ideas:
A class or forum; a speaker(s) who can address specific affordable housing issues; a meeting with community stakeholders to develop coalition efforts, and housing fairs.
3 Levels
Max Amount:
Up to $15,000
Application Deadline:
October 15th, or until commitment levels reach 100%
Apply through:
4. Placemaking Grant
Supports the creation of new, outdoor public gathering spaces and destinations in a community on unused or underused sites that enhance a community’s quality of life. Support for improvements to existing places is also permitted.
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.
Useful Ideas:
Pocket parks, public art installations, and outdoor seating areas.
2 Levels
Max Amount:
Up to $7,500
Application Deadline:
October 15th, or until commitment levels reach 100%
Apply through:
5. Rural Outreach Grant
Supports initiatives, including trainings, forums, events, studies, and ordinance drafting, on a wide range of rural issues such as broadband, well and septic, open space preservation, environmental standards, and planning and zoning issues.
Useful Ideas:
Training, subject matter expert speakers, and ordinance drafting.
2 Levels
Max Amount:
Up to $7,500
Application Deadline:
October 15th, or until commitment levels reach 100%
Apply through:
6. Smart Growth Grant
Supports efforts to advance programs, policies, and initiatives aligned with one or more of the 10 Smart Growth Principles.
Useful Ideas:
Place maker training, land use planning, public policy engagement, and infrastructure initiatives.
3 Levels
Max Amount:
Up to $15,000
Application Deadline:
October 15th, or until commitment levels reach 100%
Apply through:
Additional Grants
Utilize the links below to learn more about these grant opportunities.
NAR Broker Engagement Program & Grant
NAR Commercial Innovation Grant
NAR Consumer Advocacy Grant
NAR Issues Mobilization Grant
NAR RPAC Fundraising Grant
How to Apply
1. Identify Your Project Goals
Match your initiative with one of the grants listed above. Clearly define the objectives and community impact.
2. Check Grant Criteria & Deadlines
Review NAR’s official criteria for each grant. Some grants have rolling deadlines; others have specific application windows.
3. Gather Required Documentation
This typically includes:
- Project proposal or description
- Budget breakdown
- Timeline
- Letters of support (if applicable)
4. Submit via the Appropriate NAR Program Page
Make sure to apply through your association leadership (e.g., AE, committee chair), if required.
5. Follow Up & Report Outcomes
Be sure to submit all follow-up reports and documentation per grant guidelines. This strengthens your credibility for future applications.
Pro Tips & Best Practices
- Start Small: Begin with Level 1 grants if it’s your first time applying.
- Show Impact: Include data and stories about how your project will serve the community.
- Engage Members: Involve REALTOR® members in planning and executing projects—it strengthens your case.
- Collaborate Locally: Partner with municipalities or nonprofits to elevate your application.
- Document Everything: Take photos, gather testimonials, and track outcomes for reporting and promotion.
Promotion & Awareness
QR Code Download Available: This toolkit is available as a downloadable PDF as well.