Smart Growth Grants support state and local REALTOR® associations’ efforts to advance programs, policies and initiatives aligned with one or more of the 10 Smart Growth Principles. Applications open December 4th 2024 through October 15, 2025, or until commitment levels reach 100%. In 2025, the 10% financial commitment requirement is waived for associations under Right Tools, Right Now.
Questions? Email SmartGrowthGrants@nar.realtor or Hugh Morris at 202-383-1278.
Important, please read: Community Outreach Grant Application Update: Reaching Capacity Soon
Due to overwhelming interest, the Community Outreach Grant program is nearing full capacity well ahead of the scheduled October 15, 2025 application deadline. With strong demand for grants supporting Fair Housing, Housing Opportunity, Smart Growth, Placemaking, and Rural Outreach initiatives, we anticipate closing the application window early as commitment levels have reached 79% of budget.
Once capacity is reached, the application period will close and reopen early January 2026.
We understand the importance of these grants to our REALTOR® associations and encourage you to apply soon if you are planning an eligible initiative. Be sure to visit this page regularly for the latest updates.
For questions, please contact:
Christine Windle
Director, Community Outreach
202-383-1135 | cwindle@nar.realtor
Frequently Asked Questions
Ideas for Using a Smart Growth Grant and Success Stories
NEW! Smart Growth Toolkit
REALTOR® Party Success Stories
Level 1
Level 1 Smart Growth grants support efforts to educate REALTORS® and community stakeholders about smart growth topics including hosting a Planning & Zoning Resource: Advocating for your Community’s Future class. (Note: the grant no longer supports hosting NAR’s Smart Growth for the 21st Century class) Activities may include a class or forum, a speaker(s) who can address specific smart growth issues or a meeting with stakeholders to develop coalition efforts.
Details:
- Maximum award: $3,000.
- Associations may receive one Level 1 Smart Growth grant per calendar year.
- Funds are disbursed using a reimbursement process.
- Reimbursement request must be submitted by December 15, 2024.
- Grant recipients must complete an evaluation form for the supported activity.
LEVEL 1 SMART GROWTH GRANT APPLICATION
Download examples of successful Level 1 Smart Growth Grant applications.
Level 2
Level 2 Smart Growth grant supports activities to engage in local land-use, growth and transportation issues with other stakeholders and elected officials which will have an impact on policies. These activities could include community planning and input sessions, development of comprehensive plans and zoning policies, studies, research and reports
Details:
- Maximum award: $7,500.
- Associations may receive one Level 2 Smart Growth grant per calendar year.
- Funds are disbursed using a reimbursement process.
- Reimbursement request must be submitted by December 15, 2024.
- Grant recipients must complete an evaluation form for the supported activity.
LEVEL 2 SMART GROWTH ACTION GRANT APPLICATION
Download examples of successful Level 2 Smart Growth Grant applications.
Level 3
Level 3 Smart Growth Grant supports comprehensive initiatives leading to long-term impact in a community with significant REALTOR® and public and private stakeholder involvement.
Level Three
Details:
- Maximum award: $15,000.
- Associations may receive one Level 3 Smart Growth grant per calendar year.
- Funds are disbursed using a reimbursement process.
- Reimbursement request must be submitted by December 15, 2024.
- Grant recipients must complete an evaluation form for the supported activity.
LEVEL 3 SMART GROWTH GRANT APPLICATION
Download an example of a successful Level 3 Smart Growth Grant application.