AARP Challenge Grant Awarded to Manchester Connects

AARP announced the awardees for its 2018 AARP Community Challenge grant program, including a recipient right here in the Granite State.  A total of $1.3 million will be distributed to fund 129 “quick action” projects across the country, helping communities make immediate improvements and jump-start long-term progress to support residents of all ages.

Nearly 1,600 applications were received from non-profits and government entities for the program, now in its second year. Programs funded this year are in communities in all 50 states, Washington DC and Puerto Rico.  Each of the projects, which must be completed by November 5, is designed to achieve on one or more of the following outcomes:

• Deliver a range of transportation and mobility options that increase connectivity, walkability, bikeability, and/or access to public and private transit.
• Create vibrant public places that improve open spaces, parks and access to other amenities.
• Support the availability of a range of housing that increases accessible and affordable housing options.
• Address other issues of importance for communities.

New Hampshire’s grantee is Manchester Connects with a winning grant proposal to create a riverside gathering space in Manchester’s Arms Park through installation of tables, planters and more – thereby connecting the area to walkable and bikeable pathways.

“AARP is excited to provide funding to Manchester Connects to help them jumpstart progress on this exciting project,” said AARP New Hampshire State Director Todd Fahey.  “This grant will help them continue their important work on building a livable community for people of all ages by providing funding for key improvements to Manchester’s iconic Arms Park and the innovative vision of Manchester Connects. “

“AARP developed the Community Challenge Grant Program after hearing from mayors, community leaders and local residents about the value of getting quick wins to creative long-term change,” continued Fahey.  “The Community Challenge Grant Program was created to answer that call and help build momentum for more livable communities nationwide.”

"Receiving a grant from a national organization such as AARP is a great form of validation for Manchester Connects," said the organization's Co-Chair Sarah Jacobs.  "We have ambitious goals as we strive to make Manchester a more vital community, and this is a grand step on that path."

The Community Challenge grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative that helps communities become great places to live for residents of all ages.  AARP staff and volunteers are working with roughly 300 communities across the country, engaging and mobilizing community residents, delivering technical assistance and expertise to local leaders and organizations, and supporting the work of the 275 communities and two states that have enrolled in the AARP Network of Age Friendly States and Communities.   

AARP also provides resources and publications to encourage local action such as the Roadmap to Livability and the AARP book-series Where We Live: Communities for All Ages.   To learn more about AARP’s livable communities work in communities across the country and the AARP Community Challenge please visit www.aarp.org/livable.

 

The full list of Community Challenge grantees can be found at www.aarp.org/communitychallenge.