Awards will be based upon merits of the proposed projects. No more than 10% of the fund balance may go towards an individual award without full C.A.R. Board of Directors approval. No more than 25% of the fund balance may be disbursed per year without full CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Board of Directors approval.

Expenditure Guidelines:
The following guidelines indicate the many ways in which  C.A.R.H.A.F REALTORS® funds may be used to advance the housing affordability interests of REALTORS® and REALTOR® organizations.

The  C.A.R.H.A.F CANNOT be used for activities that directly or indirectly support or oppose a candidate for public office.

The  C.A.R.H.A.F Funds  SHALL NOT be used to support or oppose the following:
1.) Ballot Measure Campaigns ;
2.) REALTOR® Issue Mobilization Campaigns;
3.) Dues and Contributions to Coalitions;
4.) Receptions/Events/Conferences;
5.) Professional or Volunteer Advocacy;
6.) Advocacy and PolicyEducation; and/or
7.) Policy Research and Consulting Services. (These functions are supported by IMPAC funds.)

The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Housing Affordability Fund must be used for charitable purposes that supports The C.A.R.H.A.F mission to play an active role in addressing the ongoing housing affordability crisis facing our state by promoting homeownership and addressing housing affordability issues statewide. (The term charitable is used in its generally accepted legal sense and includes, but is not limited to, relief of the poor, the distressed, or the underprivileged; advancement of religion; advancement of education or science; erection or maintenance of public buildings, monuments, or works; lessening the burdens of government; lessening of neighborhood tensions; elimination of prejudice and discrimination; defense of human and civil rights secured by law; and combating community deterioration and juvenile delinquency).

Housing Affordability Funds Guiding Principles:
The Committee agreeds to base its decisions upon the following guiding principles: In general, all programs should require matching funds to leverage The C.A.R.H.A.F. This includes grants to local associations.

Where possible, funds should be recoverable. -- A REALTOR®'s services should be encouraged in all home purchase transactions. This will require that REALTORS® become familiar with both the  C.A.R.H.A.F.and the programs offered by The C.A.R.H.A.F partners.

Self-Help Project Guidelines:
At no time will H.A.F. commit more than 50% of the remaining 25% total annual disbursement to Self-Help projects (including Habitat for Humanity).

Request for funds will not exceed the LESSER of:
A) $50,000 or B) 10% of total existing funds. However, if a Regional approach with a majority of associations develops a large Habitat program, H.A.F. may grant funds up to 10% of total existing funds. In addition, H.A.F. may consider granting a larger sum with consent of the Board of Directors.

For more specific information on C.A.R.H.A.F. guidelines and procedures, contact C.A.R.H.A.F. staff at monicar@car.org .