WASHINGTON — AARP today announced it will commit $4.2 million through its 2025 Community Challenge to fund 383 quick-action projects aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, with a focus on older adults’ needs. These grants will support efforts to improve public places, transportation, housing, digital connection, and more. Notably, 45% of this year’s funded projects are in rural communities, with nearly $2 million that will support 175 projects, marking AARP’s largest investment in rural grantmaking to date. The grants will help fund improvements like benches and gathering spaces as well as build local momentum by attracting new funders, volunteers, and community interest.

Now in its ninth year, the Challenge has awarded more than $24.3 million through over 2,000 grants since 2017 to nonprofit organizations and local government entities across the country. These investments have powered more than 45,000 tangible improvements, including benches, trails, and bike racks, and supported over 8,000 programs such as digital skills training and transit education for older adults.

“AARP Community Challenge projects may be quick to launch, but their impact is long-lasting,” said Nancy A. LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer. “We’re proud to support communities nationwide to advance solutions that make neighborhoods and towns of all sizes better places to live where everyone can thrive. And this year, we’re particularly proud to invest in projects benefitting often overlooked rural areas.”

AARP Community Challenge grant projects will be funded in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Some pedestrian safety initiatives will be funded with support from Toyota Motor North America, and projects that expand high-speed internet access and adoption will be funded with support from Microsoft.

This year’s grant projects include:

• Inkom, Idaho: Building a pickleball court to encourage a fun, low-impact workout for all ages, especially those over 50.
• Bethany Beach, Delaware: Convening HOA and town leaders to develop coordinated disaster preparedness plans that address the needs of older adults through a new resiliency hub.
• Nebraska: Advancing zoning and design standards to enhance modular homes, providing affordability and accessibility for families and older adults in selected rural communities.
• Rossville, Georgia: Installing a public charging and internet hotspot station in a county park to expand connectivity and promote wellness particularly among older adults.
• Westport, New York: Using public art, greenscaping, crosswalk painting, and signage to slow traffic and improve pedestrian safety for older adults in a rural community.

View the full list of grantees and their projects at aarp.org/communitychallenge. Learn more about AARP’s work to support livable communities at aarp.org/livable.

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About AARP

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.