SharePlacemaking is a term used to describe anything from painting a mural to building a mixed-use development project. NAR’s Placemaking Grant,as part of its grant criteria, defines placemaking as transforming unused, underused and unwelcoming sites into vibrant public places for the whole community.
NAR does get inquiries and applications that focus on enhancing existing public spaces like parks or trails. However, the NAR grant does not fund adding amenities, like benches or signs, to existing public spaces.
But there are other funding sources including crowdfunding platforms like ioby.org and patronicity.com as well as America Walks Community Change Grants and AARP Community Challenge Grant. So, if your project doesn’t meet the criteria of NAR’s Placemaking Grant, you should look into one of these funding sources.
As for this year’s AARP Community Challenge Grant, nearly $3.2 million is being distributed to fund 244 quick-action projects across the country, helping urban, rural and suburban communities make immediate improvements and jumpstart long-term progress to support residents of all ages.
AARP Community Challenge Grant Projects
Below are some projects that were funded by the AARP Community Challenge Grant along with the reason (in bullets) as to why they would not meet the criteria of NAR's Placemaking Grant. If you are considering doing something like this next year, you may want to consider applying for an AARP Community Challenge Grant.
Find below some of the projects that would have qualified for the NAR grant. REALTOR® Associations could have partnered with others in their communities to help build these projects. The examples below may also give you some ideas for a placemaking project in your community.