AARP Commits Thousands of Dollars to Strengthen Eight Communities Across Arizona

AARP has announced eight organizations throughout Arizona 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 $582,105 through 44 grants in Arizona 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 Arizona is proud to work with communities across the state to help make them more livable for people of all ages,” said Dana Marie Kennedy, AARP Arizona State Director. “These projects are about turning great local ideas into real improvements that make everyday life better, especially for older Arizonans.”

Here in Arizona, projects funded include:

• City of Tempe – Housing choice design competitions
• Native American Advancement Foundation – Transportation
• Pima Council on Aging – Disaster Preparedness
• Rail, Arts, Innovation & Livability Community Development Council – Public Places
• Regeneration Sonora – Public Place Community Garden
• Town of Huachuca City – Public Places Park Enhancement
• United Way of Tucson and Southern AZ – HomeFit Modifications
• Urban Phoenix Project – Pedestrian Safety

“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.