AARP is Investing $156,000 in Florida Communities as Part of Nationwide Grant Program

This year, AARP Florida is proud to celebrate 10 organizations across the state who will receive 2025 Community Challenge grants. The funds will support efforts to improve public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and other key areas. The grants are part of AARP’s $4.2 million commitment to fund 383 quick-action projects aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, with a focus on the needs of older adults.

The AARP Community Challenge funds innovative projects that inspire change in areas such as public places; housing; transportation; and more. In 2025, AARP is increasing its investment in rural communities, with 45% of the projects focused on these places. This marks our most substantial investment in rural grantmaking to date.

Toyota Motor North America is providing additional funding for pedestrian safety projects to improve streets and sidewalks nationwide. Microsoft is also contributing additional funding for digital connections projects aimed at expanding high-speed internet (broadband) access and adoption.

The program is funding projects across three different grant opportunities, including flagship grants, capacity-building microgrants, and demonstration grants. Here in Florida, these exciting projects were funded:

• Arcadia Main Street Program, Arcadia, FL: This project will install pedestrian-friendly wayfinding signage in downtown Arcadia, FL, to improve accessibility and navigation for residents and visitors of all ages. The signs will highlight key destinations, historical sites, and cultural landmarks, promoting walkability and supporting local businesses.  

• The Arc Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL: This project will provide five educational training sessions for community members, caregivers, and professionals supporting aging adults with intellectual and developmental differences. The sessions will focus on home safety awareness, fall prevention strategies, and home assessments. Essential safety modifications will be implemented.  

• Black Empowerment & Community Council (BECC), Kissimmee, FL: The BECC Empowerment Express will transform a minivan into a mobile resource hub, delivering digital literacy, health resources, financial education, and disaster preparedness to over 1,500 older adults in Osceola County. This initiative will provide essential services and support directly to the community.  
  

• City of Hialeah, Hialeah, FL: Hialeah will improve crosswalks along Palm Avenue with domino-themed designs to enhance pedestrian safety and visibility. This project aims to create a familiar and engaging environment for older adults, promoting safer crossings and reducing vehicle conflicts.  

• City of Tampa, Tampa Bay, FL: The project will fill a 750ft sidewalk gap on East 12th Ave in front of Hacienda Villas, improving pedestrian safety and accessibility. This will enhance walkability for residents, especially those age 50 and over, and connect them to key destinations and transportation options.  

• Collaboratory, Ft. Myers, FL: This project will connect older adults struggling with housing costs with fellow older adults seeking affordable homes in Southwest Florida. It aims to provide financial relief, companionship, and increased safety, allowing homeowners to age in place while offering secure housing to older adults in need.  

• Friends of the Commodore Trail, Coconut Grove, FL: This project will improve safety and accessibility along the Commodore Trail in Coconut Grove, Miami-Dade. Activities include trail clean-up, new wayfinding signage, and pedestrian safety upgrades, making the trail safer and more accessible for all, especially older adults.  

• PORCH, Port Charlotte, FL: The Duplex Design Competition will invite designers to create low-maintenance, age-friendly homes where older adults can age in place. The project aims to balance privacy and community, promoting a healthier and more stable future for older adults.  

• Taylor County Emergency Management, Perry, FL: This project will recruit and train volunteers to become certified CERT members. Community outreach initiatives will raise awareness about disaster preparedness and CERT program participation. Training sessions will cover basic first aid, fire safety, and disaster medical operations.  

• Waukesha Way, Inc, Bonifay, FL: This project will enhance Bonifay's walkability with vibrant painted crosswalks and age-friendly park upgrades, including ADA-compliant paths, shaded seating, and fitness stations. These improvements will promote safety, mobility, and community connection for older adults, fostering physical activity and social engagement.  

The AARP Community Challenge grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide work on livable communities, which supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and counties across the country to become great places for all residents. We believe that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; affordable and accessible housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life.

To learn more about the work being funded by the AARP Community Challenge both here in Florida as well as across the nation, visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge. You can also view the AARP Livable Communities Map – a free, interactive tool with information on AARP Community Challenge grantees and members in the Network of Age-Friendly States & Communities.