AARP Awards Four Organizations with Community Grants as Part of Record-Breaking Nationwide Program

Chicago, Ill.—Today, AARP announced that four Illinois organizations will receive 2020 Community Challenge grants – part of the largest number of grantees to date with more than $2.4 million awarded among 184 organizations nationwide. Grantees will implement “quick-action” projects to create more livable communities across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Here in Illinois, projects funded include:

• North Lawndale Employment Network:  The non-profit, which serves under- and unemployed residents of the North Lawndale neighborhood and surrounding communities will bridge the digital divide by providing free community Wi-Fi and online connectivity for residents.
• El Paseo Community Garden: The Pilsen-based garden will add an ADA-compliant planting station, outdoor kitchen area, accessible seating and a walking path.
• City of Evanston: The grant will fund the creation of a guide to educate homeowners about accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and how to add one to their property.
• Downtown Springfield: The grant will be used to sustain access to fresh, healthy foods by making coronavirus-related safety improvements to the Old Capitol Farms Market.

“We are incredibly proud to partner with Illinois’ grantees as they work to make immediate improvements in their communities, encourage promising ideas and jumpstart long-term change,” Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois State Director. “Our goal at AARP Illinois is to support the efforts of our communities to be great places for people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities and the coronavirus pandemic has only underscored the importance of this work.”

All projects are expected to be completed by December 18, 2020, and are designed to achieve one or more of the following outcomes:

• Create vibrant public places by improving open spaces and parks and activating main streets.
• Deliver a range of transportation and mobility options by increasing connectivity, walkability, bikeability, wayfinding, and access a wider range of transportation choices.
• Encourage the availability of a range of housing by increasing accessible and affordable housing solutions.
• Increase civic engagement and demonstrate the tangible value of “Smart Cities” by bringing together local leaders and residents from all backgrounds to address challenges.
• Support coronavirus response and recovery efforts by ensuring older adults’ access to information, essential services, and civic life.

The Community Challenge grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which helps communities become great places to live for residents of all ages. View the full list of grantees and their project descriptions at www.aarp.org/communitychallenge and view an interactive map of all of the Community Challenge projects and AARP Illinois’ livable communities work at www.aarp.org/livable.