AARP Connecticut Now Accepting 2025 Community Challenge Grant Applications

The annual program aims to make communities in Connecticut more livable for people of all ages

AARP Connecticut invites local eligible non-profit organizations and governments across the state to apply for the 2025 AARP Community Challenge grant program, now through March 5, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. AARP Community Challenge grants fund quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and more. Now in its ninth year, the program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for all residents, especially those age 50 and older.

“The Community Challenge is an important part of how AARP Connecticut works with local residents, advocates, and policymakers to make our communities better places to live for people of all ages,” said Nora Duncan, AARP Connecticut State Director. “The grant program provides an opportunity for communities to develop and execute ideas for projects that can make a big impact.”

This year, the AARP Community Challenge is accepting applications across three different grant opportunities. All projects must be consistent with AARP’s mission to serve the needs of people 50 and older along with other eligibility criteria.

• Capacity-building microgrants are paired with additional resources, such as one-on-one coaching from national nonprofit organizations, webinars, cohort learning opportunities and more for improving walkability and bikeability; implementing safe, accessible home modifications; and disaster preparedness training.
• Demonstration grants fund projects that encourage replication of exemplary local efforts. This year’s focus is on improving pedestrian safety with funding support from Toyota Motor North America; expanding high-speed internet access and adoption with funding support from Microsoft; reconnecting communities divided by infrastructure; and implementing housing choice design competitions.
• Flagship grants support projects that improve public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and community resilience.

“AARP is committed to creating communities where people of all ages and abilities can thrive,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer. “The Community Challenge helps cities, towns and counties get things started with small improvements that can kick-start meaningful changes that improve people’s lives and strengthens the places they call home.”

Since 2017, AARP has invested $20.1 million toward 1,700 projects – including 27 in Connecticut – nonprofit organizations, and government entities across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands through the Community Challenge. The program aims to provide support to all community types, including rural, suburban and urban communities with a special focus on the needs of those 50 and older.

AARP Connecticut works in collaboration with communities across the state, bringing people together, and providing resources and expertise to help make Connecticut’s counties, towns and cities great places to live for people of all ages. The AARP Connecticut Livable Communities Grant Program has provided funding to support the projects of community organizations and governments across the state since 2018. The 2025 AARP Connecticut Livable Communities Grant Program application period will be announced in the spring.

In addition, AARP Connecticut has worked in recent years to improve pedestrian safety; support the growth of Complete Streets projects that makes roadways safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities; and encourage communities to develop more affordable housing options such as accessory dwelling units.

The Community Challenge is open to eligible 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Grants can range from several hundred dollars for small, short-term activities to tens of thousands for larger projects.

The application deadline is 5:00 p.m. Eastern, March 5, 2025. All projects must be completed by December 15, 2025. To submit an application and view past grantees, visit www.AARP.org/CommunityChallenge.