AARP investing $50,000 in Indiana communities as part of nationwide grant program

Each year, AARP works in partnership with local leaders, organizations, and dedicated residents to help boost their community’s work to become more livable for residents of all ages. As part of that effort, AARP is excited to announce the largest investment of grant dollars to date through the AARP Community Challenge grant program. More than $3.8 million in quick-action grants are being distributed to 343 projects across all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The AARP Community Challenge funds innovative projects that inspire change in areas such as public places; housing; transportation; and more. In 2024, AARP is bolstering its investment in digital connectivity, community resilience, rural communities, and addressing disparities. With additional funding support provided by Toyota Motor North America, the program is also increasing its investment in pedestrian safety projects that will improve streets and sidewalks, create vibrant pedestrian infrastructure, engage community members and much more.

AARP Indiana is incredibly proud to have five projects granted right here in our state. Our goal is to support their efforts to create great places for people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities. As local leaders seek to better their communities for the future, this becomes even more critical.

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

· City of Lafayette ($10,000): Lafayette’s project will transform a neighborhood’s blighted areas into inviting public spaces through art that tells stories collected from local, older residents.

· South Milford Community League ($20,000), Milford: The South Milford Community League will expand a local park by clearing overgrown areas and improving ADA accessibility.

· Angola Main Street ($10,000), Angola: This Community Challenge project builds inclusivity by installing wheelchair-accessible picnic tables in downtown parks.

· CORE Community Center ($8,410), Frankfort:  This project will create a new walking path that provides a safe and aesthetically pleasing place for individuals and families to walk outdoors while the weather allows.

· Families Anchored in Total Harmony, Inc. ($2,500), Gary: The organization will include AARP HomeFit information for Food is Medicine program participants during weekly education sessions, as well as include the AARP HomeFit Guide with their weekly produce boxes.

 The 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 to participate in community life.

To learn more about the work being funded by the AARP Community Challenge both here in Indiana 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 the more than 1,700 AARP Community Challenge grantees and more than 800 members in the Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.