AARP Commits Thousands of Dollars to Strengthen Communities Across Alabama

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 19, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT:
Jamie Harding, JHarding@aarp.org, 205-470-1265

AARP Commits Thousands of Dollars to Strengthen Communities Across Alabama

More than $105,000 in grants will help residents of all ages, especially older adults, improve how they live, move, and stay connected in their neighborhoods through innovative local projects

MONTGOMERY, AL -- AARP today announced six organizations throughout Alabama will receive 2025 Community Challenge grants. The grants are part of AARP’s $4.2 million commitment to fund 383 quick-action projects aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, with a focus on the needs of older adults. The funds will support efforts to improve public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and other key areas. 

Now in its ninth year, the Challenge has awarded $431,958 through 37 grants in Alabama since 2017 to nonprofit organizations and local government entities across the state. Grant projects will be funded in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

“AARP Alabama is proud to work with communities across the state to help make them more livable for people of all ages,” said Candi Williams, AARP Alabama State Director. “These projects are about turning great local ideas into real improvements that make everyday life better, especially for older Alabamians.”

Here in Alabama, projects funded include:
 
· Beanstalk – Will provide 50-plus residents with tablets, internet access, and digital skills to support disaster preparedness workshops.

· City of Northport – Improvements to pedestrian crossings, which will benefit older residents with limited transportation options.

· ClasTran – Equipping their buses with collapsible grocery carts to assist older adults and those with disabilities in carrying out more efficient grocery shopping trips.

· Huntsville Botanical Garden – Will improve accessibility by adding mobility scooters and benches to help older adults and those with mobility issues to enjoy the landscapes.

· Lillian Recreational Park – Transforming an unused porch into a social space with seating, game tables, and a grill. The area will also host classes and games to help connect older adults and reduce social isolation.

· Mobile County Health Department – Funds will be used to stage disaster preparedness events, including essential supplies to assist older adults in planning for severe weather events.

· Rebuilding Together of South Alabama – Will host an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) design competition among schools in Southwest Alabama, providing on-the-job training and constructing ADUs for adults age 50-plus and veterans. ADUs will feature input from AARP’s HomeFit program to ensure accessibility.

“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.”

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.

# # #

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.