AARP Grant Program Features Funding for Public Places, Housing, Transportation and More

CHEYENNE - The 2018 AARP Community Challenge is now accepting applications through May 16, 2018 to fund “quick-action” projects in communities across the country. Grants can range from several hundred dollars for small, short-term activities to several thousand for larger projects. The program is now in its second year and is part of AARP’s nationwide work on Livable Communities, helping neighborhoods, towns and cities to become great places for all ages.

The AARP Community Challenge is open to 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(6) nonprofits and government entities. Other types of organizations may be considered on a case-by-case basis. AARP will prioritize projects with permanent or temporary solutions that aim to achieve 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.
•        Other community improvements. In addition to the three areas of focus, AARP wants to hear about communities’ needs and new, innovative ideas for addressing them.

The application deadline is 5 p.m. ET, May 16, 2018, and all projects must be completed by November 5, 2018. Applications must be submitted through AARP.org/CommunityChallenge.

Last year, the AARP Community Challenge awarded 88 grants to communities representing every state and the District of Columbia. Two Wyoming communities - Casper and Jackson - were awarded Community Challenge Grants. Both communities used the quick action grants to fund transportation grants.

In Casper, the grant provided a safer and more convenient bus stop behind the city’s east side Albertsons at 2625 East Second Street. The bus stop offers a bench and shelter, while replacing a bus bench which was located on the north side of the Albertsons on Second Street. This bus stop location was identified in the recently-updated Casper Senior Services survey.

In Jackson, a similar bus stop was replaced in an area which is cluttered with weeds, a broken down vehicle and other trash in an underserved area of the community. A bench was placed on the site and age-friendly signage entices low-income seniors, disabled individuals, and young families to use the bus system.

The bus stop will take the place of a current stop located on Rancher Street across from the Pioneer Homestead Senior apartments on the east side of Jackson. Becky Zaist is the director of the Jackson Hole Senior Center and says the project is one which Age-Friendly Jackson, a grassroots organization which works for better inclusivity for Jackson residents, has been considering for some time. The project is managed by Age-Friendly Jackson Hole under the umbrella of the Jackson Senior Center.