T
he National Association of Realtors' lobbying arm claims to be bipartisan, but a nonprofit affiliate appears to have a right-leaning agenda. The American Property Owners Alliance (APOA), founded by NAR in 2020, handed out $12.8 million in grants over its first four years, with $10 million going to groups associated with Republicans and conservatives. APOA's spending is funded entirely by NAR dues.

    Critics argue that the nonprofit's mission to promote property owners' rights is not reflected in its grant recipients, which include groups tied to abortion rights, critical race theory, and same-sex marriage. "I'm horrified my dues money could be going to issues like that," said one agent. APOA declined to comment on the recipients' links to homeownership.

    More than half of APOA's spending went to One Nation, a dark money group linked to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. The nonprofit also donated $3 million to House Majority Forward, which supports Democratic candidates. Three lawyers told the Times that APOA's giving could land it under IRS scrutiny for failing to distribute grants focused on public good.

    APOA claims its grants advance property owners' interests, but critics argue that the group lacks transparency and accountability. NAR defended APOA in a recent article, calling it "one of the only nonprofit organizations focused exclusively on advancing private property rights." However, an email from NAR's chief marketing officer warned leadership about a forthcoming story exposing APOA's partisan spending.