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Ignite Others Association Grants and Tools

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Ignite Others Local Association Grant Information

This grant program offers financial support to empower local REALTOR® associations to host a new “Ignite Others” event or activity to illuminate our support of community, home, and property ownership. These events or activities demonstrate the importance of home, property ownership, and REALTORS® as valued partners, while engaging members who haven’t previously been involved in association activities and the community. Events and activities will include an “illumination” component (e.g. sparklers, glow sticks) to shine a light on how REALTORS® can and do “Ignite Others.”

NAR Grant Funding Available to Support "Ignite Others" Events

Local associations can apply for up to $2,000 in grant funding to maximize their participation throughout 2024. Grants are offered first come, first served. Associations may leverage the grant to support hosting an event or activity, or to partner and host an event with other local associations.

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"Ignite Others" Grant Application Process

Local Associations may apply online for a grant beginning August 15, 2023, until the program reaches capacity. Following the application review process, associations will receive approval notification and timeframe for delivery of funds.

"Ignite Others" Grant Application Requirements

Local associations grant approvals are subject to the following requirements:

  • Submission of a completed Ignite Others application
  • Include an “Illumination” component
  • Engage members who haven’t been previously involved in association activities
  • Engage community members, including public and private stakeholders
  • Event or activity to be conducted between November 15, 2023 –  November 1, 2024
  • An after-action report is submitted following completion of the event or activity
  • Any unused grant funds must be returned to NAR

The following are NOT eligible uses of grant funds:

  • REALTOR® association staff time/hours, including contract staff
  • General operating expenses for the REALTOR® association or partner organization
  • Donations to an organization or person
  • Cash prizes or purchase of gifts and prizes
  • In-house association classroom rental fee


Please direct questions to IgniteOthersGrants@nar.realtor (202-383-1135).

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AE Toolkit

Ignite Others

Community Events AE Toolkit

Download email and social media assets and logos for local associations to communicate about Ignite Others Community Events. Help members shine their light to lead others, inspire action, and spark change that creates a positive impact on your association's community. 

Ignite Others Event or Activity Ideas

Please note that all events or activities must include an illumination component.

Community Clean-Up: Gathering of REALTOR volunteers and community members who come together to improve the cleanliness and appearance of a specific area in their community such as a street or park. These events are organized with the purpose of promoting environmental stewardship, fostering a sense of community pride, and enhancing the overall quality of life for the residents.

Walk, Relay, or 5K: Different types of physical events that involve walking, running, or both. These events serve as platforms for community engagement, health promotion, and support for various charitable organizations or initiatives.

Night Bowling Event: A glowing, fun-filled evening gathering where participants enjoy a game of bowling in a specially illuminated alley with LED lights, music, and a vibrant, social atmosphere, perfect for all.

Bonfire after a Beach or Shore Clean-Up: After a successful clean-up, participants gather around a beach bonfire, sharing stories and camaraderie. It's a rewarding way to end the day, appreciating the pristine environment they've helped preserve.

Evening Roller Skating: A vibrant, illuminated activity for people to enjoy roller skating in a fun and memorable atmosphere.

School Backpack Drive: Collecting and distributing backpacks with supplies, including highlighters, for students in need, ensuring a successful academic journey.

Minor League Baseball Night: An exciting event featuring a minor league baseball game, offering a fun and family-friendly experience with competitive sports and entertainment for all attendees.

Fourth of July Parade or Event: A festive celebration held on Independence Day, featuring parades, sparklers, music, and various activities to commemorate the nation's birthday with patriotism and community spirit.

Memorial Day Event: Pay tribute to fallen heroes and those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation through a candlelight ceremony.

Flag Day Event: Host a flag-raising ceremony with illumination and/or parade fostering a sense of unity and patriotism.

Night Golf or Cornhole Event: An engaging evening gathering where participants enjoy playing golf or cornhole under the stars, using glowing or illuminated equipment, creating a unique and entertaining experience.

Illuminate City Building/County Courthouse: A captivating event where the city building or county courthouse is illuminated with colorful lights, symbolizing unity, celebration, or awareness for a particular cause.

Pumpkin Carving Event: A creative activity where people carve intricate designs or faces on pumpkins, often during Halloween, resulting in festive and illuminating decorations.

Biodegradable Floating Lantern Release: A beautiful event where environmentally friendly lanterns are set afloat on water, creating a mesmerizing and eco-friendly spectacle.

Homeless Support Event or initiative aimed at assisting individuals experiencing homelessness. In partnership with public and private stakeholders, provide support and resources to address basic needs while increasing awareness about homelessness.

Food Drive Event or initiative to collect and donate food to support individuals and families facing food insecurity. Organize in partnership with public and private stakeholders to gather non-perishable food items from donors and distribute to local food banks, shelters, or organizations that assist those in need.


 

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the maximum funding amount? 

Local associations can apply for up to $2,000 in grant funding to maximize their participation throughout 2024. Grants are offered first come, first served. Associations may leverage the grant to support hosting an event or activity, or to partner and host an event with other local associations.  

How many grants can my local association receive in a calendar year? 

Local associations may apply online for one Ignite Others Grant beginning August 15, 2023, via www.nar.realtor/igniteothers until the program reaches capacity.  

How can the grant be used? 

This grant program offers financial support to empower local REALTOR® Associations to host a new “Ignite Others” event or activity to illuminate our community, home, and property ownership. These events or activities demonstrate the importance of home, property ownership and REALTORS® as valued partners while engaging members who haven’t previously been involved in association activities and the community. Events and activities must include an “illumination” component (e.g. sparklers, candles, glow sticks) to shine a light on how REALTORS® can and do “Ignite Others”.

See above for ideas on using grants.

The following are NOT eligible uses of grant funds:   

  • REALTOR® association staff time/hours, including contract staff.   
  • General operating expenses for the REALTOR® association or partner organization.   
  • Donations to an organization or person.   
  • Cash prizes or purchase of gifts and prizes.   
  • In-house association classroom rental fee.   

Is my association required to make a financial contribution toward our activity in order to qualify for a grant? 

There is no financial contribution requirement for the “Ignite Others” grant.  

How far in advance should I submit a grant application? 

Local associations can apply for up to $2,000 in grant funding beginning August 15th, 2023. Grants are offered first come, first served. Decisions about applications are made within two weeks of submission. Applications will not be considered for events or activities that have already taken place or for activities completed prior to submission. 

We are partnering with another REALTOR® association for an activity. Can we both apply for a grant? 

Associations may partner and host an event with other local associations. Both associations may apply for a grant to support the event. 

If my association is approved for a grant, when will we receive the funding? 

Following the application review process, associations will receive approval notification within fourteen days and delivery of funds within thirty days. Any unused grant funds must be returned to NAR.  

When does the event or activity need to take place? 

The event or activity must be conducted between November 15, 2023 – November 1, 2024. An after-action report must be submitted following completion of the event or activity.