Rural Outreach Grants

The Rural Outreach Grant, administered by the National Association of REALTORS, is designed to empower state and local REALTORS associations to implement initiatives addressing rural-specific challenges. With a focus on areas of 30,000 residents or fewer, this grant supports efforts to enhance community planning, infrastructure awareness, and education around issues unique to rural regions. The initiative is part of NAR’s broader commitment to community development, civic leadership, and equitable access to housing resources, and it enables REALTORS associations to become proactive partners in shaping the future of the rural communities they serve. The grant provides two tiers of funding. Level 1 grants, capped at $3,000, support educational efforts specifically aimed at informing REALTORS about rural issues. These may include training programs, courses, or internal workshops on topics such as septic systems, well water safety, environmental hazards, and land use challenges. Level 2 grants, with a maximum award of $7,500, fund broader outreach activities such as public forums, studies, or events carried out in collaboration with external stakeholders. Both levels require completion of an evaluation form and are distributed as reimbursements post-activity. Eligible uses of grant funding include trainings, ordinance drafting sessions, broadband access initiatives, environmental planning, well and septic education, zoning issue studies, open space preservation strategies, and more. The grants encourage collaboration with local stakeholders such as public health departments, conservation organizations, utilities, and municipal leaders. While funding is issued via reimbursement, associations are encouraged to consult early with NAR’s Community Outreach team to ensure alignment and secure support throughout the process. The 2026 application cycle opens on January 5 and will remain open through October 15, 2026, or until funding is fully committed. Reimbursement requests must be submitted by December 18, 2026. The usual 10% financial match requirement is waived under the “Right Tools, Right Now” initiative for 2026, easing access for under-resourced associations. All grant recipients must maintain clear documentation of expenses and complete a post-grant evaluation. Applications are submitted via the NAR’s Community Outreach portal. Associations are encouraged to consult with Grants and Resources Manager Hannah Dannenfelser or email the program inbox for tailored guidance. The grant is structured to be inclusive, serving associations regardless of staff size or location, and prioritizes real, measurable impact in rural areas. Funding decisions are made on a rolling basis while funds last. REALTORS associations interested in applying should consider scheduling a Community Outreach Planning Session with NAR staff to strategize proposals. Associations may receive one grant per level each calendar year. The grant supports initiatives that build long-term resilience and leadership capacity within rural communities, with a strong emphasis on environmental education, infrastructure access, community collaboration, and smart rural planning.

Contact the grants manager before applying; schedule a Community Outreach Planning Session for proposal guidance.