Key facts
- Nearly two-thirds of Realtors volunteer monthly.
- 84% of Realtors made charitable donations in the past year.
- The typical annual donation from a Realtor was $1,500.
- 78% of broker-owners volunteer monthly.
- 80% of association executives and MLS staff volunteer monthly.
- The Realtors Relief Foundation has provided over $53 million in disaster housing aid since 2001.
Nearly two-thirds of Realtors volunteer in their communities every month, and 84% made charitable donations over the past year, according to the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) 2026 Community Aid and Real Estate report. The report highlights a culture of community involvement across the real estate industry, examining the contributions of NAR members, broker-owners, association executives, and multiple listing service (MLS) staff.
Jessica Lautz, NAR deputy chief economist and vice president of research, stated that Realtors and their associations serve as pillars of their communities through their time, dollars, and dedication, with charitable giving and volunteering being a defining feature. Among those who volunteer monthly, the typical commitment is eight hours per month, and those who donated reported a typical amount of $1,500.
Community involvement is also prevalent among brokerage and association leaders. Seventy-eight percent of broker-owners volunteer monthly, and 68% encourage their affiliated agents to do so. Eighty percent of association executives and MLS staff also volunteer each month. Realtors most frequently volunteer with food banks and meal programs, local schools, youth sports teams, and initiatives supporting veterans and soldiers.
Associations contribute to community involvement through recognition programs and direct donations. Sixty-three percent of association executives or MLS staff indicated their association has an award for members who volunteer. The median amount associations donated to nonprofits and charitable causes over the past year was $14,500. Lautz noted that this structure helps transform individual generosity into lasting community impact.
The Realtors Relief Foundation exemplifies the broader Realtor organization's support for communities affected by disasters. Since its inception in 2001, the foundation has provided over $53 million in financial housing assistance to more than 50,000 families. NAR covers all administrative expenses for the foundation, ensuring donated funds directly benefit disaster victims.