The AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to fund quick-action projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages. Past grants have supported rail trails and other multi-use trails, a bike safety equipment lending “library,” and projects that promote walking and walkability. In 2023, the AARP Community Challenge accepted applications across three grant opportunities:
- Flagship grants. These grants have ranged from several hundred dollars for smaller, short-term activities to tens of thousands of dollars for larger projects. Among the areas of eligibility in 2023: 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, bike-ability, and access to public and private transit; and Improve community health and economic empowerment in support of financial well-being and improved health outcomes.
- Capacity-Building Microgrants. This was a new category in 2023. By combining $2,500 grants with additional resources — such as webinars, AARP Livable Communities publications, one-on-one coaching with leading national organizations — this grant opportunity benefits residents (especially those age 50 or older). One of the two categories in 2023 was “Walkability: Implement a walk audit to assess and enhance the safety and walkability of a street or neighborhood with support from America Walks, using the AARP Walk Audit Tool Kit.” (see separate article in this issue of The Advocate)
- Demonstration Grants. One of the two categories in 2023 was Transportation Systems Change, with grants of approximately $30,000 to $50,000 per project.
Stay tuned for an announcement of the 2024 grant round, expected in January. The grant cycle calendar in 2023 looked this this:
- January 18, 2023: Application window opened.
- February 8: Q&A Webinar.
- February 14: Webinar with America Walks: The Walk Audit: An Effective Tool for Community Change.
- March 15: Applications due.
- May 16: All applicants were notified by email.
- June 28: Live public announcement of the selected grantees.
- November 30: All funded projects due to be completed.