AARP investing $75,000 in Colorado communities as part of nationwide grant program

Eight organizations across Colorado are getting a boost in their work to become more livable for residents of all ages

AARP is excited to announce the largest investment of grant dollars to date through the AARP Community Challenge grant program which aims to make communities more livable for people of all ages, with a focus on people age 50+. More than $4.2 million in quick-action grants are being distributed to 383 projects across all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The AARP Community Challenge funds innovative projects that inspire change in areas such as public places; housing; transportation; and more. In 2025, AARP is increasing its investment in rural communities, with 45% of the projects focused on these places. This marks our most substantial investment in rural grantmaking to date.

Toyota Motor North America is providing additional funding for pedestrian safety projects to improve streets and sidewalks nationwide. Microsoft is also contributing additional funding for digital connections projects aimed at expanding high-speed internet (broadband) access and adoption.

AARP Colorado is incredibly proud to have eight projects granted right here in our state. Our goal is to support their efforts to create great places for people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities. As local leaders seek to better their communities for the future, this becomes even more critical. The program is funding projects across three different grant opportunities, including flagship grants, capacity-building microgrants, and demonstration grants. Here in Colorado, these exciting projects were funded:

· Bike Durango, $12,300 - This project will install a temporary bike lane on Junction Creek Road in Durango, Colorado, to increase safety and comfort for all road users. The lane will connect multiple municipal amenities and promote a safer environment for walking and cycling, especially for older adults.

· City of Fort Collins, $20,000 - Fort Collins will host Plumbing 101 and Water Conservation Workshops for residents of mobile home parks and senior apartments. These events aim to build DIY skills, reduce maintenance costs, and support aging in place. Participants will receive hands-on activities, supplies, and expert advice.

· Commún, $18,050 (Denver) - Commún will develop an emergency disaster plan for the Loretto Heights Resilience Hub in Southwest Denver. This plan will ensure the hub is a safe, well-resourced place for residents, especially older adults, during disasters.

· Denver Regional Mobility & Access Council, $2,500 - The DRMAC will conduct walk audits to assess and improve bus stop accessibility for older adults and individuals with disabilities. By identifying barriers like broken sidewalks, missing curb ramps, and unsafe crossings, the project aims to ensure safer, more walkable routes to transit through community engagement and advocacy.

· Institute for the Built Environment, $2,500 (Fort Collins) - The Lifelong Home Guide will educate residents on integrating features that enhance accessibility, safety, efficiency, and resilience. It will highlight essential home features for aging-in-place and differing abilities, ensuring homes are comfortable and adaptable.

· Montbello Organizing Committee, $15,000 (Denver) - The MOC will expand its Training Center to offer free digital navigation classes for Montbello residents, particularly those age 50 and older. This initiative will increase access to technology and hands-on training, helping residents connect with community resources and improve their digital skills.

· The Center on Colfax, $2,500 (Denver) - Through the West of 50 program, The Center will host three educational events for older LGBTQ+ adults and allies age 50 or over. Participants will review basic disaster planning, receive a fireproof box for documents, develop a Disaster Plan, create an Emergency Escape Kit, explore pet protection ideas, and discuss useful technology.

· The Papagayo Organization Inc., $2,500 (Denver) - The Papagayo Organization will conduct eight walk audits in a busy commercial district to identify sidewalk and crosswalk improvements for low-income older adults. Volunteers from local community centers will participate, sharing insights from their experiences. The project will also host two community meetings with participants and city officials.

The AARP Community Challenge grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide work on livable communities, which supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and counties across the country to become great places for all residents. We believe that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; affordable and accessible housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life.

To learn more about the work being funded by the AARP Community Challenge both here in Colorado as well as across the nation, visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge. You can also view the AARP Livable Communities Map – a free, interactive tool with information on AARP Community Challenge grantees and members in the Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.