Rural Outreach Grants

The Rural Outreach Grant, administered by the National Association of REALTORS®, supports initiatives that strengthen rural community engagement and advocacy through REALTOR® associations at the state and local levels. The program targets municipalities with populations of 30,000 or fewer, recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities in these areas, particularly around issues such as broadband access, well and septic systems, open space preservation, environmental regulations, and planning and zoning concerns. The grant operates on a tiered structure with two levels of funding. Level 1 grants, offering up to $3,000, support efforts that educate REALTORS® about rural issues. These may include trainings, forums, or informational events. Level 2 grants, with a maximum award of $7,500, are designed for broader outreach efforts, including studies, public events, and partnerships with stakeholders to influence rural policy or engagement. Each association may receive only one grant per level each calendar year, and all funds are reimbursed post-implementation. Applications for the 2025 cycle were accepted from December 4, 2024, until October 15, 2025, or until full funding capacity was reached. Due to high demand, the program closed early for 2025 and is expected to reopen in January 2026. Reimbursement requests must be submitted by December 19, 2025. Notably, under the Right Tools, Right Now program, the 10% financial commitment normally required was waived for 2025 applicants. To apply, associations must submit applications through the designated forms for each level and complete an evaluation after the activity. While there are no formal pre-application requirements such as letters of intent, it is strongly recommended to engage in planning support by scheduling a Community Outreach Planning Session or contacting the program manager for guidance. The process is straightforward, with disbursements handled on a reimbursement basis and a clear reporting requirement via evaluation forms. Evaluation criteria include alignment with rural outreach goals, effectiveness of educational or public engagement efforts, and proper documentation of expenditures. Associations are encouraged to utilize the Rural Outreach Toolkit and webinar recordings, which offer guidance and examples of successful past initiatives. Support is available via the program email or through Hannah Dannenfelser, Manager of Grants and Resources. The Rural Outreach Grant is part of the REALTOR® Party’s broader community outreach strategy and highlights a sustained commitment to supporting under-resourced areas. The next cycle is anticipated to open in January 2026, and interested associations are advised to begin preparation by early winter to maximize their opportunity for participation.

Engage in early planning by scheduling a Community Outreach Planning Session. Use the Rural Outreach Toolkit to align proposals with funder priorities.