AARP Community Challenge Announces 129 Grantees, Including Four Iowa Recipients

AARP has announced the awardees for its 2018 AARP Community Challenge grant program, including four recipients right here in Iowa. A total of $1.3 million will be distributed to fund 129 “quick action” projects across the country, helping communities make immediate improvements and jumpstart long-term progress to support residents of all ages. Nearly 1,600 applications were received from non-profits and government entities for the program, now in its second year.

Each of the projects, which must be completed by November 5, is designed to achieve on one or more of the following outcomes:
• Deliver a range of transportation and mobility options that increase connectivity, walkability, bikeability, and/or access to public and private transit.
• Create vibrant public places that improve open spaces, parks and access to other amenities.
• Support the availability of a range of housing that increases accessible and affordable housing options.
• Address other issues of importance for communities.

Here in Iowa grantees include:

• Avoca: Avoca Public LibraryGrant funds will be used toward the construction of a musical park space that will feature outdoor musical instruments and a library green space that can serve as a gathering place for people of all ages and abilities.
• Keokuk: Keokuk Parks FoundationThis grant will help convert existing tennis courts into dedicated pickleball courts.

• Manning: Main Street ManningThe grant will fund decorative lighting along Main Street to increase the safety and use of public spaces along the three-block corridor.
• Woodbine: Woodbine Main StreetThe grant will provide for interpretive signs to be mounted on buildings and in pocket parks along Main Street in order to share the history of the community and serve as a focal point for new walking loops throughout the downtown.

“There are so many communities across Iowa working to develop short and long-term solutions to delivering a range of transportation, mobility, and housing options in their local area, and to create vibrant public places for all to enjoy,” said AARP Iowa State Director Brad Anderson. “We’re excited that these challenge grants will provide four Iowa communities the opportunity to enhance their infrastructure and provide unique age-friendly opportunities for residents and visitors.”

The full list of grantees can be found at www.aarp.org/communitychallenge.

“AARP has teams on the ground in communities across the country who hear from mayors, community leaders and local residents about the value of getting quick wins to create long-term change. We developed the Community Challenge Grant Program to answer that call and help build momentum for more livable communities nationwide,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President, Community, State and National Affairs. “This year, we are proud to fund more projects in more communities in all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.”

The Community Challenge grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative that helps communities become great places to live for residents of all ages. AARP staff and volunteers are working with roughly 300 communities across the country, engaging and mobilizing community residents, delivering technical assistance and expertise to local leaders and organizations, and supporting the work of the 275 communities and two states that have enrolled in the AARP Network of Age Friendly States and Communities. AARP also provides resources and publications to encourage local action such as the Roadmap to Livability and the AARP book-series Where We Live: Communities for All Ages.

To learn more about AARP’s livable communities work in communities across the country and the AARP Community Challenge please visit www.aarp.org/livable.