The AARP Community Challenge grant program is part of the nationwide AARP Livable Communities initiative that helps communities become great places to live for residents of all ages. The program is intended to help communities make immediate improvements and jump-start long-term progress.
Donor Name: AARP
State: All States
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 03/15/2023
Size of the Grant: $50,000
Details:
In 2023, the AARP Community Challenge is accepting applications across three different grant opportunities:
- Flagship Grants: focus on improving public places; transportation; housing; diversity, equity and inclusion; digital connections; community resilience; civic engagement; and community health and economic empowerment.
- Capacity-Building Microgrants: will include additional resources provided by leading nonprofit organizations. AARP will fund projects that improve walkability and community gardens.
- Demonstration Grants: AARP will fund projects that build capacity towards transportation systems change and build awareness of new housing options through accessory dwelling unit (ADU) design competitions.
Focus
AARP will evaluate each project based on its consistency with the AARP mission to serve the needs of people 50-plus.
AARP Community Challenge grants may be used to support three project types. Project types described below will be prioritized over those that support ongoing programming or events.
- Permanent physical improvements in the community
- Temporary demonstrations that lead to long-term change
- New, innovative programming pilots or services
Projects
- Create vibrant public places that improve open spaces, parks and access to other amenities
- Deliver a range of transportation and mobility options that increase connectivity, walkability, bikeability, and access to public and private transit
- Support housing options that increases the availability of accessible and affordable choices
- Ensure a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion while improving the built and social environment of a community;
- Increase digital connections by expanding high-speed internet and enhancing digital literacy skills of residents
- Support community resilience through investments that improve disaster management, preparedness and mitigation for residents
- Increase civic engagement with innovative and tangible projects that bring residents and local leaders together to address challenges and facilitate a greater sense of inclusion
- Improve community health and economic empowerment in support of financial well-being and improved health outcomes
Eligibility Criteria
The program is open to the following types of organizations:
- 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(6) nonprofits (Nonprofit organizations must be recognized by the IRS in order to receive funds.)
- Government entities
- Other types of organizations considered on a case-by-case basis. (Funds will not be provided to any for-profit company, nor individuals. However, AARP does allow for IRS recognized 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(6) tax-exempt non-profit organizations or government entities to serve as fiscal sponsors of grants.)
For more information, visit AARP.
