{"id":6158,"date":"2020-05-13T15:33:00","date_gmt":"2020-05-13T19:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/realtorparty.realtor\/?page_id=6158"},"modified":"2024-04-09T19:40:05","modified_gmt":"2024-04-09T19:40:05","slug":"smart-growth","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/realtorparty.realtor\/community-outreach\/smart-growth\/faqs","title":{"rendered":"Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<!--<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"alert alert-danger\" role=\"alert\"><strong>October 15 was the final deadline for Smart Growth grants. Please check back in late December for the 2020 application and information.<\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>--><\/p>\n<h2>Who is eligible to apply for Smart Growth grants?<\/h2>\n<p>Applications can only be submitted by a state or local REALTOR\u00ae association.<\/p>\n<h2>What are the maximum funding amounts?<\/h2>\n<p>There are three grant levels. \u00a0Requests may be made up to the\u00a0 maximum amount. Amount approved depends on whether all of the grant criteria was met.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Level 1 \u2013 $3,000 maximum.<\/li>\n<li>Level 2 \u2013 $7,500 maximum<\/li>\n<li>Level 3 &#8211; $15,000 maximum<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How many Smart Growth grants can my association receive in a calendar year?<\/h2>\n<p>An association can receive one grant in each level per year.<\/p>\n<h2>What types of initiatives can the Level 1 Fund?<\/h2>\n<p>The grant can support hosting an education, such as NAR\u2019s Planning and Zoning Class, a guest speaker to address a specific growth and land use issue or stakeholder meeting.<\/p>\n<h2>What types of initiatives can the Level 2 Fund?<\/h2>\n<p>The grant can support community planning and visioning, charrettes, <a href=\"https:\/\/realtorparty.realtor\/wp-content\/uploads\/appsDocs\/community-outreach\/walkable\/Walkable_Communities_MainStreet.pdf\">Main Street\u00ae Downtown Assessments<\/a>, studies,\u00a0 assessments, <a href=\"https:\/\/realtorparty.realtor\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Programs-Grants-Community-Outreach-Better-Block-Guide.pdf\">Better Block<\/a> , <a href=\"https:\/\/realtorparty.realtor\/community-outreach\/walkable-community-resources\">Walkability Workshops and Audits,<\/a> comprehensive plan and zoning analysis and ordinance drafting and policy forums to engage and advance local land-use, growth and transportation policy issues with other stakeholders and elected officials.<\/p>\n<h2>What types of initiatives can the Level 3 Fund?<\/h2>\n<p>The grant supports various community initiatives such as planning, charrettes, assessments, workshop and policy forum series, and growth polling aimed at advancing local land-use, growth, and transportation policies. To qualify, initiatives must be comprehensive, positively impact the broader community, involve REALTOR members, multiple public and private stakeholders, and present a plan to utilize outcomes for advocacy efforts.<\/p>\n<h2>The following are eligible uses of grant funds:<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Instructor or consultant fees<\/li>\n<li>Venue rental<\/li>\n<li>Refreshments<\/li>\n<li>Creation of marketing and event\/education related materials<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Is my association required to make a financial contribution toward our activity in order to qualify for a grant?<\/h3>\n<p>As part of NAR\u2019s Right Tools, Right Now, the 10% financial contribution requirement is waived from January 3rd to December 31st, 2023.<\/p>\n<h2>The following are not eligible uses of grant funds:<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>REALTOR\u00ae association staff time\/hours including contract staff<\/li>\n<li>General operating expenses for the REALTOR\u00ae association or partner organization<\/li>\n<li>Purchase of capital equipment such as cameras, speakers, lights, mics, computers, printers. Rentals <u>are<\/u> permitted.<\/li>\n<li>Donations to an organization or person including down payment or closing cost assistance<\/li>\n<li>Landscaping materials, home furnishings, or similar items<\/li>\n<li>Materials for construction\/rehab of a property or purchase of land<\/li>\n<li>Sponsorship without significant member and leadership engagement<\/li>\n<li>Registration fees and travel related expenses for REALTORS\u00ae attending events<\/li>\n<li>Fundraising contributions or money to hold a fundraiser<\/li>\n<li>Cash prizes or purchase of gifts and prizes<\/li>\n<li>In-house association classroom rental fee<\/li>\n<li>Activities that benefit a single\/select group of property owner(s)<\/li>\n<li>Subscription fees for videoconferencing services or other software licenses<\/li>\n<li>Initiatives that have already taken place or completed prior to application submission<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How far in advance should I submit a grant application?<\/h2>\n<p>Applications are accepted on a rolling basis between January 2nd and October 15 or until commitment level reaches capacity, and should be submitted at least 30 days before the date of the activity. Approval notifications are forwarded up to two weeks from submittal.<\/p>\n<h2>Can we apply for a grant outside of our territorial jurisdiction?<\/h2>\n<p>NAR adopted a policy that state and local REALTOR\u00ae Associations may only use advocacy resources provided by the REALTOR\u00ae Party for advocacy activity within their territorial jurisdiction as defined by NAR unless use outside the association\u2019s territorial jurisdiction is permitted by a written agreement among or policy applicable to all affected local and state association(s) regarding such use of advocacy resources, or the association in whose jurisdiction such advocacy will occur or NAR approves. The policy allows for an association to request REALTOR\u00ae Party funds for use outside of its territorial jurisdiction, and if the association in whose jurisdiction such activity will take place objects, the funds may be provided subject to review and approval by the appropriate NAR committee(s) overseeing REALTOR\u00ae Party activities. For more info see\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/realtorparty.realtor\/tools-resources\/territorial-jurisdiction\" data-di-id=\"di-id-449e34a7-359338a7\">Territorial Jurisdiction Policy<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>We are partnering with another REALTOR\u00ae association for an activity. Can we both apply for a grant?<\/h2>\n<p>Up to four associations can apply for funding for the same activity. However, association cannot submit for the same eligible expense. In addition, please note NAR\u2019s\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/realtorparty.realtor\/tools-resources\/territorial-jurisdiction\" data-di-id=\"di-id-449e34a7-359338a7\">Territorial Jurisdiction Policy<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>What criteria are used to evaluate grant applications?<\/h2>\n<h3>Alignment with Smart Growth Grant Program Goal<\/h3>\n<p>Does the proposed activity\u00a0advance programs, policies and initiatives aligned with \u00a0one or more of the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/realtorparty.realtor\/community-outreach\/smart-growth\/principals\">10 Smart Growth Principles?<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Articulation of Issue<\/h3>\n<p>Does the applicant thoroughly explain the Smart Growth issue that needs to be addressed?<\/p>\n<h3>Quality of the proposed activity<\/h3>\n<p>Is the proposed activity of high-quality with a clear purpose, well-defined action items, and measurable goals?<\/p>\n<h3>Level of commitment<\/h3>\n<p>Does the proposed activity involve a significant level of commitment in terms of member involvement and staff time?<\/p>\n<h3>Strength of partnerships<\/h3>\n<p>Does the proposed activity create or expand strategic partnerships between REALTORS<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>\u00a0and other key community partners (requirement for Levels 2 and 3 only)?<\/p>\n<h2>Is my association required to make a financial contribution toward our activity in order to qualify for a grant?<\/h2>\n<p>As part of NAR\u2019s Right Tools, Right Now, the 10% financial contribution requirement is waived for any association that requests reimbursement between January 2nd, 2024 through December 31, 2024.<\/p>\n<h2>If my association is approved for a grant, when will we receive the funding?<\/h2>\n<p>Funds are disbursed through a reimbursement process. The association must submit required documentation (outlined below)\u00a0<strong>one time<\/strong>\u00a0and complete an online evaluation about the grant activity. Please note that if revenue (such as ticket sales) exceeds the cost of the initiative then no grant funds are paid.<\/p>\n<h2>Funding Process Details<\/h2>\n<p>Applications approved between January 2nd \u2013 October 15th, 2024, must file for reimbursement by December 13th, 2024.<\/p>\n<p>Submit\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/realtorparty.realtor\/community-outreach\/smart-growth\/evaluation\">online evaluation form<\/a>\u00a0describing initiative impact. Upload pics, videos and press.<\/p>\n<p>Submit reimbursement form, W9, proof of payment (receipts\/cancelled checks) one time within 90 days of initiative completion to receive reimbursement. 10% Financial Commitment Requirement Waived under Right Tools, Right Now.<\/p>\n<p>Note: Reimbursements will cover net expenses, not initiatives with net revenue. The reimbursement form submission requires total revenue and expenses, with reimbursements up to the grant award.<\/p>\n<h2>Can I change the scope of initiative after the application is approved?<\/h2>\n<p>Grant awards are made based on the initiative scope on the application. Reimbursements will not be issued for initiatives that were not approved. If your initiative scope has changed, please notify <a href=\"mailto:SmartGrowthGrants@nar.realtor\">SmartGrowthGrants@nar.realtor<\/a> that you are withdrawing the approved grant and submit a new grant application by October 15th if commitment level has not reached capacity.<\/p>\n<p>Questions? Email\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:SmartGrowthGrants@nar.realtor\">SmartGrowthGrants@nar.realtor<\/a>\u00a0, Hugh Morris,\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:hmorris@nar.realto\">hmorris@nar.realtor<\/a>\u00a0202\/383-1278.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text]<!--<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"alert alert-danger\" role=\"alert\"><strong>October 15 was the final deadline for Smart Growth grants. Please check back in late December for the 2020 application and information.<\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>--><\/p>\n<h3>Who is eligible to apply for Smart Growth Action grants?<\/h3>\n<p>Applications can only be submitted by a state or local REALTOR\u00ae association.<\/p>\n<h3>What are the maximum funding amounts?<\/h3>\n<p>There are two levels of funding. Requests may be made up to the noted maximums; however, a lesser amount may be awarded based on the evaluation of the application.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Level 1 \u2013 $1,500 maximum award<\/li>\n<li>Level 2 \u2013 $5,000 maximum award<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>How many grants can my association receive in a calendar year?<\/h3>\n<p>An association can receive up to two Smart Growth Action grants in a calendar year.<\/p>\n<p>Level 1 \u2013 maximum of one grant per calendar year<\/p>\n<p>Level 2 \u2013 maximum of one grant per calendar year<\/p>\n<h3>How can the Level 1 grant be used?<\/h3>\n<p>Level 1 Smart Growth Action Grants can be used to host the Smart Growth for the 21st Century Class or other educational activity with a speaker who can address specific growth issues impacting your community.<\/p>\n<h3>How can the Level 2 grant be used?<\/h3>\n<p>Level 2 Smart Growth Action Grants provide seed funding to enable an association to make the initial efforts to engage local land-use\/transportation policy issues with other stakeholders and elected officials. Using a Level 2 grant is appropriate for supporting events of other organizations that REALTORS\u00ae are substantially engaged such as serving on a conference planning committee, planning a conference session, speaking or serving as moderator to a session or involved in follow-up event activity.<\/p>\n<h4>Types of Initiatives<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Community Planning, Input, Outreach &amp; Engagement\n<ul>\n<li>Visioning processes, charettes, pop-up workshops, project mock-ups, steering committees, developer open houses, public open houses, utility roundtables<\/li>\n<li>Better Block projects, Main Street Analysis, Walkable Community Workshops\/Audits, Placemaking visioning, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Development of Community Plans\n<ul>\n<li>Strategic, general, master, comprehensive, land use, park\/open space, bicycle\/pedestrian, placemaking, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Development\/Updating of Policies\/Ordinances\/Legislation\n<ul>\n<li>Complete Streets, Zoning Codes, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Studies &amp; Reports\n<ul>\n<li>Market Analysis, Land Use Analysis, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Conferences, Events &amp; Webinars<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Can my association receive a grant to repeat an activity or class conducted in a prior year?<\/h3>\n<p>The same activity, class, or training offered in consecutive years will not be approved.\u00a0 Only a new activity or further development of a previously approved activity will be approved.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The following are NOT eligible uses of grant funds:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>REALTOR\u00ae association staff time\/hours<\/li>\n<li>General operating expenses<\/li>\n<li>Materials for construction\/rehab of a property or purchase of land<\/li>\n<li>Fundraising contributions<\/li>\n<li>Landscaping materials or equipment<\/li>\n<li>Money to hold a fundraiser<\/li>\n<li>Cash prizes or purchase of gifts and prizes<\/li>\n<li>In-house association classroom rental fee<\/li>\n<li>Projects that benefit a single property owner<\/li>\n<li>Initiatives that benefit a single property owner<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Is my association required to make a financial contribution toward our activity in order to qualify for a grant?<\/h3>\n<p>Association is responsible for any cost above and beyond those covered by the grant.\u00a0 For example, if the grant covers the instructor fee and travel and you would like to include lunch, your association would be responsible for those costs.\u00a0 Level 2 grants require a minimum of 10% match of the amount requested from NAR by the applicant.<\/p>\n<h3>How far in advance should I submit a grant application?<\/h3>\n<p>Level 1 applications are accepted anytime from January 1st through November 15th with decisions announced approximately one week later.<\/p>\n<p>Level 2 applications are accepted on a rolling basis from January 1 through November 15 with decisions announced approximately in 30 days.<\/p>\n<h3>We are partnering with another REALTOR\u00ae association for an activity. Can we both apply for a grant?<\/h3>\n<p>Multiple associations can apply for funding for the same activity. However, the combined funding request cannot exceed the maximum award for the grant level.\u00a0 \u00a0Please note that NAR adopted a policy <a href=\"https:\/\/realtorparty.realtor\/tools-resources\/territorial-jurisdiction\">https:\/\/realtorparty.realtor\/tools-resources\/territorial-jurisdiction<\/a> that state and local REALTOR\u00ae Associations may only use advocacy resources provided by the REALTOR\u00ae Party for advocacy activity within their territorial jurisdiction as defined by NAR unless use outside the association\u2019s territorial jurisdiction is permitted by a written agreement among or policy applicable to all affected local and state association(s) regarding such use of advocacy resources, or the association in whose jurisdiction such advocacy will occur or NAR approves. The policy allows for an association to request REALTOR\u00ae Party funds for use outside of its territorial jurisdiction, and if the association in whose jurisdiction such activity will take place objects, the funds may be provided subject to review and approval by the appropriate NAR committee(s) overseeing REALTOR\u00ae Party activities.<\/p>\n<h3>If my association is approved for a grant, when will we receive the funding?<\/h3>\n<p>Funds are disbursed through a reimbursement process. The association must submit required documentation (outlined below) and complete an online evaluation about the grant activity. Please note that if revenue exceeds the cost of the project then no grant funds are paid.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Funding Process Details<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The association is required to submit proof of funds spent totaling the amount of the grant award, including the 10% contribution from the association (Level 2 only). Acceptable forms of proof include an invoice from a vendor, a signed contract with a consultant\/speaker, and receipts for items purchased.<\/p>\n<p>The request for reimbursement must be made within 60 days of completion of the activity.<\/p>\n<p>The association must submit an evaluation form after completion of the activity. One or two items resulting from the effort, such as photos, or a plan, a study, news clips and videos may accompany the form.\u00a0 If the evaluation form is not returned, your association will not be eligible to receive another grant.<\/p>\n<p>The activity must take place within one year of grant approval notification from NAR in order to be eligible for funding reimbursement.<\/p>\n<h3>What criteria are used to evaluate Level 1 grant applications?<\/h3>\n<p>The grant review group considers the following things when making funding decisions:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Alignment with Smart Growth Program<br \/>\n<\/strong>Does the proposed activity support the goal of educating REALTORS\u00ae to affect public policies that support development that meets one or more of the 10 Smart Growth Principles?<\/p>\n<h3>What criteria are used to evaluate Level 2 grant applications?<\/h3>\n<p>The grant review group considers the following things when making funding decisions:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Alignment with Smart Growth Program<br \/>\n<\/strong>Does the proposed activity support the goal of positioning and assisting REALTORS\u00ae to affect public policies that support development that meets one or more of the 10 Smart Growth Principles?<\/p>\n<p>Please note that grant requests to advance public policies that support development of green residential and commercial buildings are acceptable.<\/p>\n<p>Proposals that address housing issues must do so from the point of view of land-use public policy issues (zoning codes, community planning, development issues, etc.) and cannot be used to fund efforts such as housing programs or housing construction.<\/p>\n<p>Funding of websites is only permissible if the website is integral to the execution of a land-use policy initiative.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Articulation of Issue<br \/>\n<\/strong>Does the applicant thoroughly explain the smart growth issue that needs to be addressed?<\/p>\n<p><strong>Quality of the Proposed Activity<br \/>\n<\/strong>Is the proposed activity of high-quality with a clear purpose, well-defined action items, and measurable goals?<\/p>\n<p><strong>Level of Commitment<br \/>\n<\/strong>Does the proposed activity involve a significant level of commitment in terms of member involvement, financial contribution, and staff time?<\/p>\n<p><strong>Strength of Partnerships<br \/>\n<\/strong>Does the proposed activity create or expand strategic partnerships between REALTORS\u00ae, elected officials and other key community partners?[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Who is eligible to apply for Smart Growth grants? Applications can only be submitted by a state or local REALTOR\u00ae association. What are the maximum funding amounts? There are three grant levels. \u00a0Requests may be made up to the\u00a0 maximum amount. Amount approved depends on whether all of the grant criteria was met. Level 1 \u2013 $3,000 maximum. Level 2 \u2013 $7,500 maximum Level 3 &#8211; $15,000 maximum How many Smart Growth grants can my association receive in a calendar year? An association can receive one grant in each level per year. What types of initiatives can the Level 1 Fund? The grant can support hosting an education, such as NAR\u2019s Planning and Zoning Class, a guest speaker to address a specific growth and land use issue or stakeholder meeting. What types of initiatives can the Level 2 Fund? The grant can support community planning and visioning, charrettes, Main Street\u00ae Downtown Assessments, studies,\u00a0 assessments, Better Block , Walkability Workshops and Audits, comprehensive plan and zoning analysis and ordinance drafting and policy forums to engage and advance local land-use, growth and transportation policy issues with other stakeholders and elected officials. What types of initiatives can the Level 3 Fund? The grant supports various community initiatives such as planning, charrettes, assessments, workshop and policy forum series, and growth polling aimed at advancing local land-use, growth, and transportation policies. To qualify, initiatives must be comprehensive, positively impact the broader community, involve REALTOR members, multiple public and private stakeholders, and present a plan to utilize outcomes for advocacy efforts. The following are eligible uses of grant funds: Instructor or consultant fees Venue rental Refreshments Creation of marketing and event\/education related materials Is my association required to make a financial contribution toward our activity in order to qualify for a grant? As part of NAR\u2019s Right Tools, Right Now, the 10% financial contribution requirement is waived from January 3rd to December 31st, 2023. The following are not eligible uses of grant funds: REALTOR\u00ae association staff time\/hours including contract staff General operating expenses for the REALTOR\u00ae association or partner organization Purchase of capital equipment such as cameras, speakers, lights, mics, computers, printers. Rentals are permitted. Donations to an organization or person including down payment or closing cost assistance Landscaping materials, home furnishings, or similar items Materials for construction\/rehab of a property or purchase of land Sponsorship without significant member and leadership engagement Registration fees and travel related expenses for REALTORS\u00ae attending events Fundraising contributions or money to hold a fundraiser Cash prizes or purchase of gifts and prizes In-house association classroom rental fee Activities that benefit a single\/select group of property owner(s) Subscription fees for videoconferencing services or other software licenses Initiatives that have already taken place or completed prior to application submission How far in advance should I submit a grant application? Applications are accepted on a rolling basis between January 2nd and October 15 or until commitment level reaches capacity, and should be submitted at least 30 days before the date of the activity. Approval notifications are forwarded up to two weeks from submittal. Can we apply for a grant outside of our [&hellip;]","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":126,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"tags":[77,319,14,355,351,352,353,354],"class_list":["post-6158","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","tag-community-outreach","tag-community-outreach-grants","tag-grants","tag-land-use","tag-level-1-grant","tag-level-2-grant","tag-smart-growth-action-grant","tag-smart-growth-program"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/realtorparty.realtor\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6158","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/realtorparty.realtor\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/realtorparty.realtor\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/realtorparty.realtor\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/realtorparty.realtor\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6158"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/realtorparty.realtor\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6158\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/realtorparty.realtor\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/126"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/realtorparty.realtor\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6158"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/realtorparty.realtor\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6158"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}