The housing market may have slowed, but real estate pros continue to invest in their communities by volunteering, raising money and putting their business behind causes close to home.
REALTOR® Volunteer Days - Billings Association of REALTORS® Volunteering at Ronald McDonald House
Billings Association of REALTORS®

Community involvement runs deep in real estate, with nearly two-thirds of real estate professionals volunteering at least monthly, according to a new report on National Association of REALTORS® members. From food banks and schools to youth sports and housing initiatives, agents are donating their time and money to community causes, with about 80% saying community involvement remains an important part of their business plan, according to NAR’s “CARE Report: Community Aid and Real Estate.”.

Sixty-four percent of REALTORS® volunteer on a monthly basis, devoting about eight hours per month to community service, while 84% made charitable donations over the past year, the survey shows.

“REALTORS® and their associations serve as pillars of their communities through their time, dollars and dedication,” says Jessica Lautz, NAR’s deputy chief economist. “Charitable giving and volunteering are a defining feature of who REALTORS® are, and they consistently make time to invest in the people and places around them.”

Where NAR Members Are Volunteering

Sixty-eight percent of broker-owners reported that they encourage their agents to volunteer, whether that’s through nonprofits or charitable causes, local or state associations or elsewhere, the report shows. REALTOR® members are getting plugged into their communities in a variety of ways, with one-third involved in food bank delivery or meal programs—the most popular way to volunteer.

NAR’s CARE report found that over the past 12 months, REALTORS® most frequently volunteered through:

  • Food bank/delivery/meals: 33%
  • Local school or kids’ sports teams/clubs: 24%
  • Supporting veterans/soldiers: 21%
  • Youth mentoring/education: 21%
  • Care for animals: 19%
  • Supporting seniors: 18%
  • Housing/home repair for low-income people: 15%
  • Advocating for children: 12%
  • Homeless shelter: 12%
  • Advocating for victims of domestic abuse: 8%
  • Care for adults with disabilities: 8%
  • Fundraising for medical/healthcare: 6%

Each year, real estate professionals showcase nationally the many ways they give back to their communities. The sixth annual REALTOR® Volunteer Days, held May 30 to June 7, drew out about 300,000 members who volunteered across the country during the weeklong event. That was more than double the participation from the previous year. About 500 local and state REALTOR® associations hosted volunteer projects, with efforts ranging from cleaning public parks and beaches to food packing events and building or repairing homes. The next REALTOR® Volunteer Days event is scheduled for June 5–13, 2027.

Agent Takeway: Make giving back part of your business plan. Set aside time, money, or both for causes that matter to you, and look for opportunities where your skills and connections can make a difference in your community. Need inspiration? Get inspired by the causes and community work highlighted by NAR’s Good Neighbor Award recipients.

Making a ‘Lasting Community Impact’

Many real estate pros support nonprofits, charitable causes and community organizations not only through hands-on involvement but also financial contributions. About one-third of general members-at-large host fundraisers each year for nonprofits, charitable causes or REALTOR® association charitable initiatives, according to NAR’s CARE report.

For example, since 2001, real estate professionals have helped provide more than $53 million in housing assistance to more than 50,000 families affected by natural disasters through the REALTORS® Relief Foundation.

Overall, the majority—84%—of REALTOR® members-at-large made charitable donations last year, with the typical REALTOR® contributing $1,500. The giving extends across the industry. The typical broker-owner donated $3,000 annually to charitable causes, while the median amount an association contributed was $14,500.

Associations are creating opportunities for members to get more involved. AE and MLS staff reported their association held volunteer or community service events for members over the past year, with the typical association hosting five events. About a quarter held six to 10 events. Associations also are recognizing members who give back, with 63% of AE and MLS staff reporting that their association has an award honoring members for community involvement. NAR also offers annual national recognition through its Good Neighbor Awards program.

Infographic from the 2026 CARE Report showing volunteer and charitable giving rates among REALTORS®, brokers, and association/MLS staff. Monthly volunteering rates are 64% for REALTORS®, 78% for brokers, and 80% for association/MLS staff. Personal charitable donation rates are 84% for REALTORS®, 84% for brokers, and 94% for association/MLS staff. Includes NAR branding and a QR code linking to the full report.

“What stands out is how giving is woven into the culture at every level, from individual agents to broker-owners to the associations themselves,” Lautz says. “That structure, including recognition programs and association-led giving, helps turn individual generosity into lasting community impact.”

Some real estate professionals are finding that giving back can be a part of reaching professional milestones. For 2026 Nevada REALTORS® President Sarah Scattini, that meant rethinking a longtime association tradition. Instead of holding a formal installation dinner when she became state president, Scattini asked herself, “How can I help? What else can I do?”

The answer was “Keys to Kindness,” a fundraising initiative benefiting the Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation. She invited her sphere and others to donate whatever they could to help her reach her $40,000 fundraising goal. The campaign raised more than $65,000 in just two hours, and matching funds ultimately pushed the total above $135,000.

She saw forgoing the traditional installation dinner as a chance to create a more lasting impact, and she calls the experience one of the most rewarding moments of her 20-year real estate career.

“I’m a hundred percent a go-giver,” Scattini says. “I want to give back in any way that I can.” She also found that when you simply ask others to help, many are just as willing to step up, too.