AARP Connecticut Launches Livable Communities Grant Program to Fund Local Projects

Program open to 501 (c)(3) or 501 (c)(4) non-profits and government entities located in Connecticut
• Projects must be completed within 12 months
• Application deadline is September 24, 2018

AARP Connecticut is expanding on the national AARP Community Challenge with the launch of the local “Livable Communities Grant Program” dedicated to fund “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 all ages.

“We regularly work in collaboration with communities across the state to bring people together, and provide resources and expertise that will make Connecticut’s towns and cities great places to live for residents of all ages,” said Nora Duncan, state director of AARP Connecticut. “We developed the Livable Communities Grant Program to help local leaders create and executive their creative ideas for more livable communities across the state.”

The AARP Connecticut Livable Communities Grant Program is open to incorporated organizations that are 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) non-profits 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 $2,500. All applications should be for a project of $2,500 or less.

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

• Deliver a range of transportation and mobility options that increase connectivity, walkability, bikeability, access to public and private transit, and/or community accessibility for disabled residents.
• Create vibrant public places that foster intergenerational and multicultural connections, and improve open spaces, parks and access to other amenities.
• Support the availability of a range of housing that increases accessible and affordable housing options.
• Other community improvements, including education and awareness about LGBTQ elders, financial security for low income residents who are 50 or over, and socialization and fostering community connection for older residents. In addition, AARP wants to hear about communities’ needs and new, innovative ideas for addressing them.

Comprehensive details about the program and applications can be found on www.aarp.org/ct. The application deadline is 5 p.m. ET, September 24, 2018, and all projects must be completed within 12 months from the day the grant begins. 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.

AARP announced in July that it will fund 129 projects across the country in 2018, including three in Connecticut, as part of its second annual AARP Community Challenge grant program. The initiative funded 88 projects in 2017.

AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative helps communities become great places to live for residents of all ages. AARP 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.