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NAR 2016 Smart Growth Grants

Level 3

Purpose	To fund association collaboration with local government and/or community partners to support a process for land use policy and/or transportation changes in the community that foster development aligned with the 10 Smart Growth Principles (see details below).
Example 1	Support of a community input process for a small or large area planning process such as a comprehensive plan.
Example 2	Development of a Complete Streets policy or a feasibility analysis for a new commuter rail line.
Funding Amount	$15,000 max
Grant Approval Authority	REALTOR® members of the NAR Smart Growth Advisory Board
Application Deadline	15th of every month, January through October
Satisfies NAR Core Standards	Yes
Prerequisite Requirements	It is highly recommended that applicant demonstrate prior work in this area either with or without the support of NAR smart growth program resources.
Maximum Number of Grants per Association per Year	1
Grant payment made as reimbursement	Yes, details below.
Applicant Financial Contribution Required?	Yes, 10% of requested grant amount.
Project Partner Financial Contribution Required	Yes
Repeat funding of proposed event	No
2016 Budget	$340,000 total for all grant levels combined.
Expiration of funds	Offer to fund proposed project expires one year from date of award approval if the proposed project has not been initiated.
Reimbursement Details	Funds awarded as a Community Outreach grant will be awarded through the following reimbursement processes: The association will submit to NAR proof of money spent totaling the amount of the grant award. For Level-3 grants the proof must add to the amount of the grant plus the required 10% minimum financial contribution from the association. For example, applications for a $15,000 grant must show a $1,500 financial contribution from the association. The association will need to provide proof of money spent totaling $16,500. For Level-3 grants, if the activity is executed for less than the budgeted amount, the grant award paid by NAR will be prorated. For example, if receipts are submitted totaling $11,000, NAR will reimburse $10,000. The remaining $1,000 would be the applicant’s required minimum 10% contribution toward the activity. Acceptable forms of proof of money spent include an invoice from a vendor, a signed contract with a consultant/speaker, receipts for items purchased, and cancelled checks. The request for reimbursement must be made within 90 days of the completion of the activity for which the grant was awarded. Once all documentation is received, NAR will send to the association a check in the amount of the incurred costs.
Evaluation	Associations having received a grant may not apply for another in the same program area until a self-evaluation form for the initial effort has been submitted to NAR (see link below).
State AOR packaging of multiple association efforts.	State associations may combine similar activities (such as an education program) to be delivered to multiple associations into a single grant application. The local associations will receive Core Standard credit, where applicable. The award amount in a combined grant request cannot exceed the maximum grant amount permitted in that program area (Smart Growth, Diversity, and Housing Opportunity). A state association may not submit a subsequent combined application until all deliverables for the first application have been made.
Smart Growth Principles	Smart Growth development is characterized by the following traits: Mix land uses Take advantage of compact building design Create a range of housing opportunities and choices Create walkable neighborhoods Foster distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place Preserve open space, farmland, natural beauty, and critical environmental areas Strengthen and direct development towards existing communities Provide a variety of transportation choices Make development decisions predictable, fair, and cost effective Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration in development decisions
Files	Application form Evaluation form Examples of successful applications (Medina, OH; Memphis, TN) Summary of all previous grants: (State sort; Chronological sort)
Please direct questions to:	Hugh Morris NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® 500 New Jersey Avenue NW Washington, DC 20001 202-383-1278 hmorris@realtors.org