AARP investing $61,500 in Louisiana communities as part of nationwide grant program 

AARP is excited to announce the largest investment of grant dollars to date through the AARP Community Challenge grant program which aims to make communities more livable for people of all ages, with a focus on people age 50+. More than $4.2 million in quick-action grants are being distributed to 383 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 2025, AARP is increasing its investment in rural communities, with 45% of the projects focused on these places. This marks our most substantial investment in rural grantmaking to date.

AARP Louisiana 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 Louisiana, these exciting projects were funded:
· Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana ($15,000)– This project will develop an accessible outdoor activity, gathering, and gardening space at the senior center. Designed to foster connections with nature, it will also offer volunteer opportunities for tribal youth and community members of all ages, while encouraging intergenerational engagement with tribal elders.

· Housing Authority of New Orleans (15,000)– The community center at the Estates Housing community will be rehabilitated to create a vibrant, age-friendly public space. Features will include a computer lab to support digital literacy, health and nutrition education, and activities that promote emotional well-being and mental health for older adults.

· Plaquemines Parish Government ($15,000) – New pickleball courts and a walking trail will be added to expand programming for older residents. These enhancements will support the creation of a senior’s walking club and a pickleball tournament, encouraging year-round physical activity, social interaction, and community connection.

· Urban Conservancy in collaboration with Xavier University of LA ($14,000) – An unused lot in Gert Town will be transformed into a welcoming orchard and community gathering space, complete with fruit trees, benches, bike racks, and accessible walkways. This space will provide older adults with a peaceful place to relax, connect, and enjoy fresh fruit.

· VIET ($2500) – Two disaster preparedness trainings will be conducted to help older adults and community members plan for emergencies. Participants will receive emergency kits and translated disaster checklists will be made available in Vietnamese and Spanish to ensure accessibility and community-wide awareness.

The AARP 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 of all ages to participate in community life.

To learn more about the work being funded by the AARP Community Challenge both here in Louisiana 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 AARP Community Challenge grantees and members in the Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.