Smart Growth Grants

 Program Guidance

NAR's Smart Growth Action Grants support a wide range of land-use related activities. To be considered, activities should support the core purpose of NAR's Smart Growth Program: to support REALTOR^® engagement in land-use related issues with the primary goals of affecting public policys that support a more sustainable development paradigm while raising the profile of REALTORS^® as community leaders and enhancing REALTOR^® relationships with elected officials.

Each year, the Smart Growth Action Grant Program makes available $150,000 to state and local REALTOR^® associations to support such activities. 

Previous Grant recipients

• Chronological sort
• State sort

Examples of Successful Grant Applications

• Memphis, TN
• Medina, OH

 Funding Levels

 Level One

• Purpose: to host NAR's "Smart Growth for the 21st Century" course or other initial educational activity such as a speaker or co-sponsoring an event.
• Maximum grant: $1,500
• Application due date: accepted on a rolling basis
• Application form: Level One: Smart Growth Instruction Assistance Application
• Expected financial participation by applicant: as needed to meet all additional costs, either by admission fee or association contribution.
• Program prerequisites: none
• Program evaluation: Level One Smart Growth Grant Evaluation Form

 Level Two 

• Purpose: To provide seed funding to enable a state or local association to make the initial efforts to engage local land use issues with other stakeholders and elected officials. No donations to other organizations unless Realtors® are substantially engaged in activity.
• Maximum grant: $5,000
• Application due date: January 31, April 30, July 31, and October 15, 2013; decisions announced approximately one month later.
• Application form: Level Two: Smart Growth Action Grant Application
• Program Regulations: Please read before applying.
• Expected financial participation by applicant: none required.
• Program prerequisites: none.
• Program evaluation:
  Level Two Smart Growth Grant Evaluation Form - Part 1 (after 30 days)
  Level Two Smart Growth Grant Evaluation Form - Part 2 (after six months)

 Level Three

• Purpose: To support in-depth projects with multiple funding sources, such as a Charrette, and multiple partners or to sustain a previously initiated effort that has proven fruitful enough to warrant further investment.
• Maximum grant: $15,000
• Application due date: January 31, April 30, July 31, and October 15, 2013; decisions announced approximately one month later.
• Application form: Level Three: Smart Growth Action Grant Application
• Program Regulations: Please read before applying.
• Expected financial participation by applicant: none required.
• Program prerequisites: Previous use of a Level Two grant or a history of smart growth activity and meaningful partnerships to advance land use policy which may build on work already done.
• Program evaluation:
  Level Three Smart Growth Grant Evaluation Form - Part 1 (after 30 days)
  Level Three Smart Growth Grant Evaluation Form - Part 2 (after six months)
  Level Three Smart Growth Grant Evaluation Form - Part 3 (after one year)

 Other NAR Community Affairs Grant Programs:

• Diversity Initiative Grants to advance your association's diversity efforts.
• Housing Opportunity Grants to support your associations housing advocacy efforts

Send your questions and completed applications to (e-mail preferred):

Hugh Morris
National Association of REALTORS^®
500 New Jersey Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202/383-1278
E-mail: hmorris@realtors.org