AARP Connecticut Accepting Applications for 2020 Livable Communities Grant Program to Fund Local Projects

AARP CT Livable Communities Grant Request for Proposal

AARP CT Livable Communities Grant Application

AARP Connecticut is expanding on the national AARP Community Challenge Grant with a third year of its local “Livable Communities Grant Program” dedicated to funding “quick-action” projects in Connecticut communities. The grant program is part of AARP’s Livable Communities initiative that aims to help neighborhoods, towns and cities to become great places for people of all ages.

“AARP Connecticut’s Livable Communities Grant Program helps nonprofits and local governments take small steps toward becoming more age-friendly,” said Nora Duncan, State Director of AARP Connecticut. “Sometimes small changes can make a big difference in people’s lives, and this grant is an opportunity for communities to develop creative projects that will improve public spaces, increase accessibility, create social connections, or take other steps toward becoming more livable.”

The AARP Connecticut Livable Communities Grant Program is open to incorporated organizations that are 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) nonprofits and Connecticut government entities who seek to make improvements in their neighborhood or community in Connecticut.

Grants can range from small, short-term activities to larger, permanent solutions, but the maximum amount of any single grant will be $4,000. All applications should be for a project of $4,000 or less. Grant funds cannot be used to supplement staff salaries or contribute to ongoing operating expenses.

AARP Connecticut will evaluate grant requests for projects that focus on any of the following areas:

• Affordable and accessible housing options for residents 50+ 
• Delivery of services to help residents 50+ age in the setting of their choice
• Pedestrian and bike infrastructure (sidewalks, amenities for walkers, public art, safe street crossings, navigation, etc.)
• Public Transportation
• Fostering intergenerational and multi-cultural connection
• Financial security for low income residents 50+ 
• Socialization and fostering community connection for older residents
• Education and awareness about LGBTQ elders
• Community accessibility for disabled residents

Comprehensive details about the program and applications can be found on  www.aarp.org/ct. The application deadline is 5 p.m. ET, October 21, 2020, and all projects must be completed within 12 months from the day grant funding is received. Applications must be submitted to CTLivable@aarp.org  with each section of the application completed with all pertinent information. Please email questions to  CTLivable@aarp.org .

While AARP Connecticut’s Livable Communities Grant Program is only open to Connecticut towns and nonprofits, AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative funds projects in all 50 states, Washington DC, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. AARP announced in August that it will fund 184 projects across the country in 2020, including three in Connecticut, as part of its second annual AARP Community Challenge grant program. The initiative funded 159 projects in 2019.

AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative also provides resources and publications to encourage local action such as the Roadmap to Livability and the AARP book-series Where We Live: Communities for All Ages. To learn more about AARP’s livable communities work in communities across the country please visit  www.aarp.org/livable .