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How to Apply for Housing Opportunity Grants

To apply for a Housing Opportunity Program Grant, review the regulations for the appropriate funding level and download the application for that level.

Level One Regulations 

  • Funding is available to host either an Employer-Assisted Housing or Expanding Housing Opportunities class.
  • Funding is available only to local and state REALTOR® associations (other course Sponsors are not eligible to apply).
  • Requests of up to $1,000 may be made; however, a lesser amount may be awarded.
  • Funding request may be submitted after the Class Notification Form has been submitted. Requests sent prior to NAR's receipt of the Class Notification Form will not be considered.
  • Applications cannot be submitted for a class that has already taken place.
  • Applications should be submitted at least 30 days before the date of the class.
  • Associations may submit only one Level 1 application per calendar year and receive a maximum of two grants, total.

 Download the Level 1 Application - Complete the questions, save the file, and then email it to the address provided on the application.

Level Two Regulations

  • Funding is available only to local and state REALTOR® associations.
  • Requests of up to $5,000 may be made; however, a lesser amount may be awarded.
  • Applications cannot be submitted for an activity that has already taken place.
  • Applications cannot be submitted for an activity previously supported by a Housing Opportunity Program Grant.
  • Grant awards cannot be used as a pass through of funds to another organization (e.g. a fundraiser or direct contribution).
  • Activities that are complex, ongoing, involve partnerships and/or have a broad community reach tend to qualify for higher levels of funds than one-time events, such as workshops, fairs, seminars or similar activities.
  • Funds that are not used within one year of receipt must be returned to NAR.
  • Recipients must complete an evaluation upon the completion of the activity for which funds were received.
  • Failure to complete the evaluation will cause the association to be ineligible to apply for future Housing Opportunity Program Grants.

Level 2 Funding Decisions

Level 2 applications will be reviewed by a group of leaders and members of the Housing Opportunity Committee. The group will consider the following when making funding decisions:

  • Alignment with Housing Opportunity Program goal
    Does the proposed activity support the goal of positioning, educating, and assisting Realtors® to create housing opportunities for all?
  • Quality of the proposed activity
    Is the proposed activity of high-quality with a clear purpose, well-defined action items, and measurable goals?
  • Commitment
    Does the proposed activity involve a significant level of commitment from the applicant in terms of member involvement, financial contribution, and staff time?
  • Critical need
    Does the applicant explain how the proposed activity will address a specific affordable housing need in the area served by the association.

Download the Level 2 Application - Complete the questions, save the file, and then email it to the address provided on the application.

Download a Tip Sheet for completing a Level 2 application.

 For further information, contact:

Wendy Penn
Housing Opportunity Program Representative
National Association of REALTORS®
500 New Jersey Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001
202/383-7504
202/434-9693 (fax)
wpenn@realtors.org