NC REALTORS® awards Innovation Grants to three local REALTOR® associations

GREENSBORO, N.C. - Aug. 16, 2016 - PRLog -- Three local REALTOR® associations were recently awarded 2016 Innovation Grants by NC REALTORS®. High Country Association of REALTORS® (HCAR) and Wilmington Regional Association of REALTORS® (WRAR) each received a $5,000 grant, and the High Point Regional Association of REALTORS® (HPRAR) received a $4,750 grant. The grant program funds innovative community programs across the state, which closely align with the REALTOR® mission and values. NC REALTORS® sought out programs, events, or plans that change the way the real estate industry is perceived or how business is conducted with an emphasis on promoting affordable housing.

"We are excited about the work our local associations are doing within their communities, elevating the REALTOR® brand," stated Andrea Bushnell, Esq., CEO of NC REALTORS®. "This grant program acknowledges the powerful impact of REALTORS® across the state, and the associations rewarded with this round of grant funding excelled in delivering value to our members and communities through innovative thinking and programming."

HCAR is providing scholarships for high school seniors to create awareness of REALTORS® and their role in the community and economy, as well as trusted professionals and community leaders. The scholarships will be based on one- to two-minute videos submitted by students who demonstrate what a REALTOR®'s job consists of and the benefits of using a REALTOR®.

WRAR's grant will support a new, "big idea" forum, Veritas Forum, they are launching through community collaboration this fall. The first forum will feature former Shell Oil CEO, John Hofmeister, and John Michael Cousteau to address whether offshore drilling should take place. The forum is designed to educate, build community, model civility, and most importantly, place REALTORS® and WRAR at the center of community dialogue.

HPRAR plans to use the funds to establish partnerships with the North Carolina Department of Veteran Affairs to create services for veterans returning to the area after service and the Boys & Girls Club to feature Young Professionals and treat them to an afternoon of baseball, to support a High Point-area Habitat for Humanity House, and work with High Point University and High Point's Housing Coalition to address the need for housing.