STR Associations & Alliances
R2RC was founded with the sole purpose of collecting and distributing advocacy funds rapidly, effectively, and on a broader scale. We exist to support you.
What We Fund
Grants • NOW OPEN!
- Seed Grants: Up to $5,000 for brand new groups just getting started
- Growth Grants*: Up to $10,000 for 501(c)(6) or 501(c)(6)-pending associations to cover early-stage growth costs
- Sustainability Grants*: $10,000 to $25,000 for capacity-building needs and general operating expenses
- Special Project Grants*: $5,000 to $20,000 for one-time needs, such as legal fees
*Growth, Sustainability, and Special Project Grants require pre-qualification. Learn more here >
Scroll down to explore grants or prequalify now.
Recurring Funding
Coming in 2026
Opt in to a regular revenue stream supported by donors for general operational and administrative needs, no grant applications required. Details coming soon!
Seed Grant
Up to $5,000 for new short-term rental groups • Limit 1 per association’s lifetime
Seed Grants help newly forming short-term rental (STR) associations with funding to support initial organization efforts, such as filing as a legal entity and beginning outreach and engagement.
This grant is ideal for groups that have not yet applied for 501(c)(6) status but have taken key early steps and are ready to activate their vision.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate the following:
- A basic business or strategic plan outlining your vision, goals, and how you plan to get started.
- A steering committee or founding team of at least three committed leaders.
- A clear rationale for starting the group, grounded in needs or opportunities.
- At least one reference or supporter who can speak to your credibility or the community need.
- Incorporation filed with your Secretary of State
No pre-qualification required.
Growth Grant
Up to $10,000 for young short-term rental associations • Limit 1 per association’s lifetime
This funding supports 501(c)(6) or 501(c)(6)-pending associations to cover early-stage growth costs. Funds are designed to help young associations establish a strong foundation and presence. It is designed to reimburse eligible startup costs and early-stage expenses, including but not limited to:
- Reimbursements for startup expenses, such as:
- Legal fees for entity formation (e.g., 501(c)(6) nonprofit status)
- Administrative setup (banking, accounting, insurance, etc.)
- Branding and design (logo, website, messaging)
- Community outreach and launch events
- Strategic planning or facilitation services
- Initial communications and technology tools (email platforms, CRM, etc.)
Eligibility Criteria
Pre-qualification is required.
*To be eligible for this grant, your association must be a prequalified Member Association of R2RC.
Sustainability Grant
$10,000 to $25,000 for well-established short-term rental associations • Limit 1 per association per year
This grant category is intended to strengthen established STR associations by supporting their internal operations and long-term sustainability. This grant provides flexible funding to grow and stabilize the operations of STR advocacy organizations. Funds may be used for:
- Staff salaries or stipends
- Contractor or consultant fees (e.g., marketing, community engagement, organizing)
- Technology platforms and subscriptions
- Member recruitment and retention efforts
- Governance or board development
- Strategic planning, training, or leadership development
- Marketing, communications, and storytelling initiatives
- Office or administrative costs
- Hosting large-scale events, such as a conference
Eligibility Criteria
Pre-qualification required.
*To be eligible for this grant, your association must be a prequalified Member Association of R2RC.
Special Project Grant
$5,000 to $20,000 • Limit 1 per association per year
This funding supports targeted legal expenses and time-sensitive or mission-aligned projects with potential for broader advocacy impact. Grant funds can be used for:
- Attorney fees related to STR ordinance drafting, review, or negotiation
- Legal research or analysis of local zoning, licensing, or regulatory matters
- Amicus briefs or public comment filings
- Coalition-building efforts around STR-related policy issues, such as partnering with community groups and aligned organizations to develop collaborative engagement
- Special initiatives such as public education campaigns or pilots
- Rapid response efforts to proposed legislation or enforcement actions
Eligibility Criteria
Pre-qualification required.
*To be eligible for this grant, your association must be a prequalified Member Association of R2RC.
R2RC Grant News
Right to Rent Collaborative Awards Five New Grants to Strengthen Short-Term Rental Advocacy Across the U.S.
Second round of 2026 grants continues mission to fund grassroots advocacy and equip STR associations for long-term success The Right to Rent Collaborative (R2RC) today announced five grants awarded in its May 2026 funding cycle to short-term rental (STR) associations...
Right to Rent Collaborative Awards Two New Grants to Strengthen Short-Term Rental Advocacy Across the US
First round of 2026 grants continues mission to fund grassroots advocacy and equip STR associations for long-term success The Right to Rent Collaborative (R2RC) today announced two grants awarded in its April 2026 funding cycle to short-term rental (STR) associations...
Right to Rent Collaborative Awards Two New Grants to Strengthen Statewide STR Advocacy
September funding cycle supports statewide growth in Texas and Washington The Right to Rent Collaborative (R2RC) today announced two new grants awarded in its September 2025 funding cycle to short-term rental (STR) associations advancing advocacy and organizational...
Get Prequalified & Become a Member Association
Sign up to become an R2RC Member Association and prequalify for future grant opportunities and get voting rights (1 representative) at annual member meetings.
Criteria for prequalification include:
- Proof of 501(c)(6) status or a pending 501(c)(6) application
- Aligned mission with the R2R Collaborative
- Detailed strategic plan & proposed annual budget
- Previous annual reports (for associations more than 1 year old)
- Agreement to promote the R2R Program to association contacts
There is no cost to becoming a Member Association.
Member Associations
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this funding for state groups or local groups?
Both! Groups of any jurisdiction type may qualify for funds as long as they meet funding criteria. When competing needs arise, funding will be awarded based on advocacy priorities, potential impact, urgency, and/or other factors.
Is there a cost to becoming an Association Member?
No, there is no monetary cost to becoming an Association Member. However, we ask all Association Members to commit to certain criteria in alignment with the R2RC mission.
What does pre-qualification entail?
Pre-qualification collects important foundational information about your organization to ensure you can apply for grants in the future. This includes information like your mission, strategic plans, 501(c)(6) status, and bank account information for future payments. Please see the form for everything you will need in order to submit your application.
Associations whose pre-qualification applications are approved will become Member Associations and be eligible to apply for future grants. Pre-qualification does not guarantee future grant approval, but it does put your group on a shortlist and enables faster deposits of funds for approved requests.
What if our group doesn’t yet have everything needed on the pre-qualification form?
Please wait to complete the form until you have all of the required criteria. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
Is this a substitute for other funding we might already be getting?
A healthy association is one with multiple streams of revenue and donations, so Association Members should also be generating membership dues, direct donations, sponsorships, and other funding. R2RC funds are designed to help you kickstart important initiatives and bridge gaps.
Will this take away from our existing fundraising efforts?
Our objective is to expand the available pool of advocacy funds, not create competition for them. We encourage strong and clear messaging in all fundraising efforts to maximize impact.
Why does R2RC require groups to be 501(c)(6) organizations (or have a pending application)? Why not fund individuals, informal groups, or just hire a lobbyist directly?
R2RC funds registered 501(c)(6) nonprofit associations—or groups that have formally begun the process of becoming one—because our mission is to build lasting advocacy infrastructure for the short-term rental industry.
A 501(c)(6) is more than a tax status. It’s a legal and organizational structure designed for member-based groups that engage in advocacy. It allows a group to collect dues, hire staff, sign contracts, and operate transparently and accountably on behalf of its members.
This kind of structure is essential in STR advocacy, where credibility with elected officials, the ability to move quickly, and a united local voice are critical.
Why 501(c)(6)? What makes that designation better for STR advocacy than other types of nonprofits?
501(c)(6) organizations are designed for membership-based groups that exist to promote the common business interests of their members. That makes them the best fit for STR advocacy. If you are starting a new group, we recommend consulting a nonprofit attorney about your goals for professional support in choosing the structure that is right for you.
How is this different from the VRMA Advocacy Fund?
R2RC is designed to be complementary and cover different advocacy needs not currently supported by other grant programs. The VRMA Advocacy Fund still exists and is still a grant source for people seeking funding for economic impact reports, lobbying, PR campaigns, and other needs. See vrmaadvocate.org for details.
Questions?
Reach out to us at [email protected] >