AARP Launches Community Challenge Program to Help Make Communities Better Places to Live for All Ages

AARP is now accepting applications for Community Challenge grants to fund projects that spark change in local communities.  The grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative that aims to make our communities great places to live for everyone.

“This is an exciting time for AARP to spark communities into action to create vital and vibrant communities for all generations.  We hope this Challenge Grant will provide a source of funding to complete projects and build momentum for change,” said Denise Bottcher, AARP Louisiana State Director.

The program is open to 501(C) (3) and 501(C) (4) non-profits and government entities.

Projects might range from a small, short-term activity that costs hundreds to a more sizable project requiring thousands of dollars.   Projects need to deliver on the following drivers for change, including:

• Improving a community’s built environment to benefit all ages and ability levels (and connect to the social environment). For example:
• Transforming vacant or underutilized public spaces
• Creating intergenerational playgrounds
• Installing traffic calming measures, like circles, street trees, crosswalk enhancements, etc.
• Pop-up projects to highlight positive changes that communities can make to roadways (temporary or permanent bike lanes, roundabouts, etc.) and expand transportation options
• Driving community engagement and interaction across diverse community residents (e.g., culture/art, local communication, public space/place-making, sports, education, well-being / healthy living, etc.) For example:
• Hosting activities to encourage healthy eating and exercise
• Holding Open Streets programs and festivals to encourage people to walk and bike through the community
• Leveraging Pop Up/tactical urbanism demonstrations to create parklets, etc.

 AARP Louisiana is working in collaboration with communities across the state, bringing people together and providing resources and expertise to help make Louisiana’s counties, towns and cities great places to live for Louisianan’s of all ages.

The application deadline is July 15, 2017 and all projects must be completed by November 1, 2017.  All applications must be submitted through AARP.org/CommunityChallenge.