Delaware Organizations Awarded 2024 AARP Community Challenge Grant to Make our Communities More Livable

AARP announced five organizations throughout Delaware that will receive 2024 Community Challenge grants – part of AARP’s largest investment in communities to date with $3.8 million awarded among 343 organizations nationwide. Grantees will implement quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; and more, with an emphasis on the needs of adults ages 50 and older.

“AARP Delaware is committed to working with local leaders who have worked so hard to make our communities better places to live for Delawareans of all ages, especially those 50 and older,” said Lucretia Young, AARP Delaware State Director. “We are proud to collaborate with this year’s grantees as they implement quick action improvements to make our communities thrive.”

Here in Delaware, projects funded include:

· Town of Milton for $5,723 to expand on the successful Art Crosswalk-ing Tour of Milton that promotes the enhancement of safe pedestrian infrastructure through on-the-ground visuals and driver education.

· Delaware Art Museum for $15,000 to promote public engagement with art during its Year of Illustration celebration, the Delaware Art Museum will install eight mural displays (two of which will be located at senior living complexes).

· Delaware Center for Horticulture for $4,500 to empower seniors and urban communities through gardening. With proper tools, seniors can enjoy gardening safely, fostering well-being and impacting the community.

· Seaford Community Garden for $5,000 to provide spaces to grow plants, flowers, and herbs in relaxed friendly areas. Trees, plants, tables and expertise will be available for all to learn how to grow for their needs.

· BVF Delaware First Resilience Hub for $20,000 to educate residents on the importance of how to prepare for disasters. The sessions will include preparedness, solar chargers and internet access operation, and emergency preparedness kits.

This year, AARP awarded three different grant opportunities, including flagship grants, capacity-building microgrants for improving walkability, bikeability and accessible home modifications, and demonstration grants that focus on equitable engagement to reconnect communities, housing choice design competitions and improving digital connections to endure disasters. [BD1]

With funding support from Toyota Motor North America, the program is increasing its investment in pedestrian safety projects that will improve streets and sidewalks, create vibrant pedestrian infrastructure, engage community members and much more. AARP is also bolstering its investment in community resilience, rural communities, and addressing disparities.

“Whether it’s a community engagement project to promote safer streets or a park bench to provide residents a breather, small community projects can make a big impact for people of all ages,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer. “AARP’s Community Challenge grantees make our commitment to create better places to live nationwide a reality through quick, but innovative solutions.”

AARP Community Challenge grant projects will be funded in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. True to the program’s quick-action nature, projects must be completed by December 15, 2024.

View the full list of grantees and their project descriptions at aarp.org/communitychallenge and learn more about AARP’s livable communities work at aarp.org/livable.