AARP Invests in Six Community-Based Projects Across Maryland as Part of a Nationwide Grant Program 

Communities across Maryland are working to become more livable for residents of all ages.

AARP is working in partnership with local leaders, organizations and dedicated residents to help make that vision a reality. As part of that effort, AARP is excited to announce the largest investment of grant dollars to date through the Community Challenge grant program. More than $3.6 million in quick-action grants are being distributed to 310 organizations 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; diversity, equity, and inclusion; digital connections; community resilience; and more.

This year, AARP is also bolstering its investment in rural communities, mobility innovation, transportation options, and health and food access. The program accepted applications across three different grant opportunities, including existing flagship grants in addition to new capacity-building microgrants for improving walkability and community gardens. New demonstration grants will focus on improving transportation systems, with funding support provided by Toyota Motor North America, and housing choice design competitions.

AARP Maryland is incredibly proud to have six grantees 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.

Here in Maryland, these exciting and diverse projects were funded:

• Anne Arundel Conflict Resolution Center is receiving $1,560 to fund conflict management workshops at local senior centers, with the goal of enhancing community inclusion and acceptance of individual differences.

• Anne Arundel County Transit’s $26,000 grant will provide ADA-compliant bus shelters for patrons in identified areas throughout the service area.

• Bayside Community Network, Inc. of Elkton is receiving $12,000 to convert the organization's kitchen and on-site greenhouse into a learning garden-to-table experience to increase the overall health, independence and employability of people aged 50 and older, as well as those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

• Brinklow Cares’ $20,000 grant will help to fund renovations to the organization's multipurpose center, including creation of walking trails and expansion of the community garden.

• IMPACT Silver Spring is receiving $2,500 to enhance a community garden at Glenmont Forest Community Park by extending a walkway to provide access to raised beds.

• Smalltimore Homes will use its $2,500 grant to conduct walk audits near a senior center and host a wellness expo to promote health education, as well as improve the quality of life for people aged 50 and older.

The Community Challenge 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 Maryland, as well as across the nation, visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge. You can also view an interactive map of all of the Community Challenge projects and AARP Maryland’s livable communities work at aarp.org/livable.