Placemaking Partnership

The Greater Regional Alliance of REALTORS® (GRAR) is pleased to offer a partnership opportunity through our 2027 Placemaking Program. This initiative, supported by grant funding from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), focuses on creating more functional, welcoming, and vibrant spaces throughout our local community.

Led by GRAR’s Community Involvement Task Force—a dedicated group of REALTOR® and industry professional volunteers—the program is now accepting applications for the 2027 Placemaking Partnership.

What is Placemaking?

Placemaking is the intentional transformation of a space into a place people want to be—somewhere that invites connection, encourages gathering, and inspires people to linger. Whether large or small, it’s about creating environments that feel welcoming, functional, and rooted in community.

At its core, placemaking reimagines underused or overlooked spaces into vibrant, attractive areas for public use. Projects can be simple, like landscaping or fresh paint, or more involved, incorporating art, lighting, programming, or interactive features. Across the country, REALTOR® associations have brought placemaking to life in communities of all types—from urban centers to rural settings and everything in between.

Dream It. Fund It. Build It.

How Does the Placemaking Process Work?

1. Start by applying
Submit your application to GRAR’s Community Involvement Task Force by September 15, 2026. Applications are reviewed by the Task Force and GRAR’s Board of Directors, who select the project that best reflects NAR’s placemaking goals and demonstrates strong potential for community impact.
2. Secure Funding
Projects selected for partnership move on to the funding phase, where GRAR submits a grant request to NAR in early 2027. Grants of up to $7,500 may be awarded to support eligible project expenses, with funds distributed through GRAR and used within the same calendar year.
3. Bring the Project to Life
This is a true partnership. GRAR members work alongside you to complete the project—contributing time, skills, and hands-on support to help transform your space into a vibrant community asset.
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Placemaking in Action

Our 2026 Placemaking Partnership was created in collaboration with a group of partners including the City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation.  We were able to help provide partial funding and volunteer labor for the overall goal of revamping an unused space within Eastern Park.  While this project is still underway, the end goal is a welcoming, relaxing space to gather, grow, and enjoy in place of what is currently a bland square of grass.

Application

A Few Rules and Restrictions to Note

  • NAR’s Placemaking Grant provides potential funding up to $7,500
  • Grant funds MUST be used in the calendar year they were applied for
  • Placemaking projects can only be used on publicly owned land. Projects on privately owned property are not eligible.
  • NAR Placemaking grant funding is subject to approval, and not guaranteed, even if your project is chosen
Online Application

Helpful Resources