AARP Florida Makes Livable Communities Local

The AARP Livable Communities initiative is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in cities, towns, neighborhoods, and rural communities for people of all ages, with a particular focus on those aged 50+. As part of this initiative, AARP offers Community Challenge Grants, which provide funding for short-term projects with lasting community impact across the nation.

Recently, AARP Florida announced the recipients of the 2024 Community Challenge grants—a select group of organizations throughout the state. These grantees will undertake quick-action projects this year, addressing critical areas such as public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connectivity and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Their efforts prioritize the needs of residents aged 50 and above.

The AARP Community Challenge encompasses three distinct grant opportunities:

1. Flagship Grants: These established grants have a proven track record and contribute significantly to community betterment.
2. Microgrants: Designed to enhance walkability and community gardens, these smaller grants play a vital role in local improvement.
3. Demonstration Grants: Focused on housing choice design competitions, these grants encourage innovative approaches to housing solutions.

This year, AARP Florida awarded a total of 12 grants, with 8 Flagship Grants and 4 Capacity-Building Microgrants.

FLAGSHIP GRANTS:

360 Eats
This project will outfit a mobile soup kitchen with additional refrigeration units. This will increase storage space for donated food, which the organization provides to people facing food insecurity, particularly older adults and those transitioning from homelessness.

Cathedral District-Jax on Cathedral Hill
This project will install lit gateway markers throughout the Cathedral Hill neighborhood to enhance safety and wayfinding. The markers will also support gathering spaces within the community.

City of Dade City
This project will add picnic tables to areas frequented by older residents. The new tables will be sturdy and ADA compliant and allow residents to gather and enjoy time in nature.

Feeding Tampa Bay
This project will install free-standing bike racks at a new food panty facility and cafe locations. The racks will protect bikes from theft and improve accessibility for neighbors experiencing food insecurity, as well as for staff and volunteers.

St. Petersburg Housing Authority
This project will make a community garden accessible by constructing benches, an awning and raised beds for growing healthy, free food. The Housing Authority will also hold workshops on sustainable gardening, cooking and budgeting skills.

StarMetro
This project will teach older adults skills needed to navigate public transportation independently. The city's transit provider will offer trainings to residents at no cost.

Support Committee at Jacksonville National Cemetery Inc.
This project will install benches in the cemetery's visitor's lobby to provide comfortable seating for older veterans and those with mobility challenges. The cemetery will also made aesthetic improvements, including displaying flags representing each military branch.

City of Surfside
This project will install ADA-compliant beach mats, which provide a nonslip, semi-rigid walking surface for people with mobility challenges. The mats will help residents cross the beach to access the water and nearby shaded areas.

Capacity-Building Microgrant:

Mayport Waterfront IncThis project will conduct walk audits and follow-up meetings. Lack of sidewalks and crossing signals presents a safety issue in the neighborhood, and parking overflows onto the area's narrow residential streets during community events.

Pinellas Park Fire Department
This project will install grab bars in the homes of residents age 50 or older. These residents have frequently used the local EMS response system and are considered at high risk of falling.

Rebuilding Together Broward County
This project will enhance safety for older adults by installing grab bars, lighting and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in their homes. This will help residents navigate their living spaces independently.

Resource Center for Disability Solutions
This project will provide home usability assessments for older adults to identify trip hazards and needed lighting and railings, among other concerns. Specialists will mitigate these issues and train participants in home safety best practices.

This year’s grants awarded over $100,000 in project funding. Since 2017, AARP has awarded 54 grants through the program to Florida nonprofit organizations and government entities across the state.

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.