AARP Awards Grants to Three Idaho Organizations as Part of its Nationwide Program to Make Communities More Livable

Today, AARP Idaho announced three organizations will receive 2022 Community Challenge grants – part of the largest group of grantees to date with $3.4 million awarded among 260 organizations nationwide. Grantees will implement quick-action projects that help their communities become more livable in the long-term by improving public places with an emphasis on the needs of adults age 50 and over.

“We are committed to working with communities to improve residents’ quality of life through tangible changes,” said Lupe Wissel, AARP Idaho state director. “We are proud to collaborate with this year’s grantees as they make immediate improvements in their communities to jumpstart long-term change.”  

Idaho projects funded include:

Downtown Boise Association - DTPlays Electric Cargo Bike - $7,400
DTPlays is an electric cargo bike that will carry a variety of outdoor games, chairs, shade tent, water station and more to downtown Boise locations. Throughout the summer community members of all ages can meet, socialize and engage in fun activities.

“We’re excited to invite everyone from kids to seniors to come and PLAY! These pop-ups are a direct response to a 2021 survey asking for more family-friendly, free fun during daytime hours. We look forward to a great summer and bringing people together in a new and enjoyable way.”
-Jenn Hensley, Executive Director, Downtown Boise Association

Emmett Public Library - Remote Lockers - $13,518
A 17-unit, all-season, outdoor locker system that will extend library accessibility by offering self-service options like browsing, pick-up and returns 24 hours a day.

“Our library is the heart of the community and serves as a source of information, education and recreation, as well as a place to meet, gather and learn. This AARP grant will expand the availability of our resources while helping the library meet the demands of increased growth and services.” 
-Alyce Kelley, Director, Emmett Public Library

Wassmuth Center for Human Rights – Sound System - $21,575
A project removing communication barriers, boosting engagement, and strengthening community connections for older adults by adding a permanent loudspeaker sound system in the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial.

“We are grateful for the AARP Challenge Grant that will literally amplify the message of the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial. The sound system will provide enhanced access for onsite program participants.”
-Dan Prinzing, Executive Director, Wassmuth Center for Human Rights

Since 2017, AARP Idaho has awarded 17 grants and $167,533 to nonprofit organizations and government entities across the state. Videos of past Idaho projects can be found here. 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.