Updated on May 13, 2026
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 advancing advocacy and association growth and development. This marks another step in R2RC’s mission to provide associations with the capital they need to advocate for policy solutions that strengthen the vacation rental industry.
The recipients:
- Colorado Short-Term Rental Association (COSTRA) received a $20,000 Sustainability Grant to support executive leadership, operational expenses, and Rent Responsibly services.
- Vermont Short-Term Rental Alliance (VTSTRA) received a $20,000 Sustainability Grant to fund a part-time administrative and marketing contractor to bolster association growth.
- New Mexico Short-Term Rental Association received a $10,000 Sustainability Grant to launch a membership drive and support the hiring of an Executive Director amidst aggressive state regulatory changes.
- Vacation Rental Professionals of Maine (VRPOMe) received a $10,000 Sustainability Grant to support administrative and marketing initiatives as they build long-term capacity.
- Newport Beach Short-Term Rental Alliance received a $5,000 Growth Grant to support local leadership and strengthen the regional Southern California short-term rental network.
“Advocacy is often an invisible hero; success is frequently measured by the crises that don’t happen because a community was prepared,” said Julie Marks, President of R2RC. “By investing in these five organizations, we aren’t just funding projects, we are securing the future of the industry. This capital allows leaders to move from a reactive defense to a proactive, professionalized presence that ensures the right to rent is protected for years to come.”
R2RC was founded to transform how short-term rental advocacy is funded and sustained. Its vision is to see strong, fully staffed state associations in all 50 states, a connected network of leaders, and a robust membership base that can respond quickly and effectively to policy challenges. The grant program is one way R2RC delivers on this mission, supporting associations as they grow, launch new initiatives, and build long-term capacity.
These grants were made possible thanks to the generous support of its donors and property management software partners, who are recognized as critical champions in shaping the future of STR advocacy, including: Airbnb, Vrbo (part of Expedia Group), Inhabit, Avalara, Proper Insurance, Breezeway, Beyond, Hostfully, Guesty, Hospitable, OwnerRez, BookingsCloud, Evolve, PriceLabs, Xplorie, Truvi, HostGPO, CiiRUS, NextPax, BookingPal, C2GAdvisors, and Track.
Companies interested in supporting advocacy needs through R2RC can email Dana Lubner at dana@r2rcollaborative.org.
Organizations interested in applying for future funding can learn more at r2rcollaborative.org/associations.
About the Right to Rent Collaborative
Founded in October 2024 as an independent 501(c)(6)-pending organization, the Right to Rent Collaborative is dedicated to broadening the impact of advocacy within the short-term rental industry. R2RC’s mission is to provide associations with the capital they need to advocate for policy solutions that strengthen the industry, driving towards a vision of 50 fully staffed, always-active state STR associations, 50 connected and coordinated association leaders, and a robust, accessible, and powerful grassroots local membership network. Starting in summer 2025, the organization will begin awarding funds on a grant basis, and in 2026, it will launch a mechanism for ongoing monthly support of alliances. Learn more at r2rcollaborative.org
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