AARP Community Challenge Grant Program Extends Application Deadline

AARP is extending the deadline for the Community Challenge Grant Program to fund “quick-action” projects to improve local communities. Applications must now be submitted by 6 p.m. Hawa`i time on May 15, 2020. The deadline had been April 1. Winners will be announced in August and all projects must be completed by December 18.

The Community Challenge grants are part of AARP’s Livable Communities work to support the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and rural areas to be great places for people of all ages. They can range from several hundred dollars for small, short-term activities to several thousand, or tens of thousands for larger projects. To submit an application or learn more, visit www.AARP.org/CommunityChallenge.

In 2019, AARP’s Community Challenge Grants supported a Kona Bikeshare community health program with West Hawai`i Community Health Center and People’s Advocacy for Trails Hawai`i; the Rotary Club of Honolulu’s Centennial Park project in Waikīkī; and the Waikīkī Community Center, Age-Friendly Honolulu and Kapi`olani Community College’s Walk Safe Waikīkī pedestrian safety project.

“We encourage all eligible organizations to apply,” said Keali`i Lopez, AARP Hawai`'i State Director. “The extension will allow organizations who have already submitted an application time to revise their applications, time for other groups to complete their applications and perhaps time for other qualified groups to apply.”

The Community Challenge is open to 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(6) nonprofits and government entities. Other types of organizations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The program will accept applications for projects in the following categories:

● *New in 2020* Increase civic engagement with innovative and tangible projects that bring residents and local leaders together to address challenges and facilitate a greater sense of community inclusion and diversity;

● Create vibrant public places through permanent or temporary solutions that activate open spaces, improve parks and enhance access to amenities;

● Deliver a range of transportation and mobility options through permanent or temporary solutions that increase walkability, bikeability, wayfinding, access to transportation options and roadway improvements;

● Support the availability of a range of housing through permanent or temporary solutions that increase accessible and affordable housing options;

● Demonstrate the tangible value of “Smart Cities” by developing and implementing innovative programs that engage residents in accessing, understanding and using data and participating in decision-making to increase quality of life for all; and

● Other innovative projects to improve the community.

Since 2017, AARP has awarded 376 grants through the AARP Community Challenge to nonprofit organizations and government entities representing 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

To submit an application or learn more, visit www.AARP.org/CommunityChallenge.