2025 Community Challenge Grants Announced

AARP today announced six cities and organizations throughout Arkansas 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 $376,135 through 33 grants in Arkansas 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 Arkansas is proud to work with communities across the state to help make them more livable for people of all ages,” said Patricia Fry, Associate State Director – Community Outreach and Engagement for AARP Arkansas. “These projects are about turning great local ideas into real improvements that make everyday life better, especially for older Arkansans.”

Here in Arkansas, projects funded include:

• City of Earle - This project will enhance Earle's community center into an accessible facility for older adults, featuring mobility-friendly equipment, digital literacy resources, and an expanded food pantry, benefiting residents of Earle and Parkin.  
• City of Elaine - This project will transform an unused pocket park in downtown Elaine into an ADA-compliant Rest and Recharge Station with solar charging stations, seating, and amenities. It will benefit cyclists, pedestrians, and especially residents age 50 and older by promoting accessibility and community engagement.  
• City of Wrightsville - Wrightsville will create a 10-foot side-path from City Hall to Dollar General and turn the overgrown area behind City Hall into an accessible walking path with seating and shade, improving safety and mobility for older adults.  
• VFW Post 7831 - Mammoth Spring will establish a warming and emergency shelter at the VFW property. This project will provide heating, sleeping arrangements, warm clothing, hygiene supplies, food, medical supplies, and trained staff to support older adults and disabled residents during power outages and natural disasters.  
• Howard County - The Howard County Senior Adult Center will install automatic door openers to make the entrance safer and more accessible for older adults using walkers, wheelchairs, and canes.  
• Women’s Own Worth - The project will conduct at least four bike audits in North Little Rock areas, including Argenta, Lakewood, Park Hill, and Indian Hills. Older volunteers from local biking groups will be recruited for the audits. Two meetings will be held with participants, residents, and the city to discuss the results and future planning.   

“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 benefiting 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.