2026 Community Improvement Grant

“Transforming Spaces. Connecting Communities.”

The Atlanta REALTORS® Impact Foundation (ARIF) is proud to introduce a new Community Improvement Grant — a placemaking micro-grant designed to spark community vibrancy, strengthen neighborhood identity, and support public spaces that bring people together.

Beginning in 2026, ARIF will award four (4) grants of $500 each to eligible organizations proposing innovative, community-driven projects that activate, improve, or transform public spaces across the metro Atlanta area.

This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to enhancing the places where Atlantans live, work, and play.

Who’s Eligible?

To qualify for the Community Improvement Grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Applicant(s) must be an active Atlanta REALTORS® Association (ARA) member.
Applications must include a detailed project plan, outlining purpose, scope, community impact, and budget.
Funds must be used as stated in the application, with proof of expenditure (receipts, photos, etc.) submitted within 12 months of receiving funds.

Who’s Eligible?

Projects should activate or enhance public spaces and contribute to community vibrancy, safety, identity, or social connection.

Examples of eligible projects include:

Recreational or Activity Spaces
Community-Serving Locations
Beautification & Placemaking Enhancements
Amenities Not Covered by HOAs
Restoration or Repair Projects

⏳ Deadline to apply: August 31, 2026

📌 Apply Now

About the ARIF Scholarship

The Atlanta REALTORSⓇ Impact Foundation was founded in 2022 to provide educational scholarships and community charitable giving on behalf of the Atlanta REALTORSⓇ Association. To date, the Foundation has awarded $20,000 annually in Community Excellence scholarships to twenty deserving students who are immediate family members of an Atlanta REALTORS® Association member and are either graduating from an accredited high school program or enrolled at an accredited institution. Each recipient receives a $1,000 scholarship.

📅 Scholarship applications are available online from January 1 - March 15 annually.

Scholarships are awarded based on the following criteria:

Written Essay
Extracurricular Activities
Community Involvement
GPA
Letters of Recommendation

Requirements:

Students must submit an application to the ARA Scholarship Committee.
A transcript of completed courses must accompany the application (minimum 3.0 GPA required).
Two letters of recommendation must be submitted—one from the student’s school and one from outside school (not a family member).
Applicants must demonstrate leadership in extracurricular activities and/or community involvement.
Applicants must have applied for, been accepted to, or currently enrolled at:
- An accredited college or university, working toward a Bachelor’s or Associate degree; OR
- A vocational-technical institution leading to a certificate.
- All applicants must be immediate family members (including adopted children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and those under legal guardianship) of an Atlanta REALTORS® Association member.

🏆 Scholarship checks will be made payable to the student and can be used only for fees, books, tuition, and/or room and board.