AARP Investing $142,445 in Massachusetts Communities

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.

Toyota Motor North America is providing additional funding for pedestrian safety projects to improve streets and sidewalks nationwide. Microsoft is also contributing additional funding for digital connections projects aimed at expanding high-speed internet (broadband) access and adoption.

AARP Massachusetts is incredibly proud to have 13 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 Massacshusetts, these exciting projects were funded:

• Health Equity Partnership of North Central MA, Ayer, will create telehealth hubs in Nashoba Valley to help residents—especially older adults—access care through private rooms, tech support, and digital literacy training.
• Amherst Business Improvement District will add seating, lighting, and greenery to create a safer, more welcoming Boltwood Walk Plaza that encourages social connection, especially for older adults.
• Wakullah Street Community Garden, Inc., Boston, will boost accessibility and safety for older adults with improved paths, solar lighting, and internet for extended use and virtual events.
• La Colaborativa, Chelsea, will help turn the Route One bridge under space into a vibrant hub offering health services, food, and activities to reduce isolation and support older adults.
• Neighborhood Falmouth will work to train drivers to be more aware of older adults’ needs and safe practices during transport.
• Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell will offer bilingual home safety trainings and aid for seniors, veterans, and families to fix health and safety issues.
• Newburyport Livable Streets will conduct bike and night audits on key streets, recruit local volunteers, and share findings with the city.
• North Adams Partnership will hold an ADU design contest to create affordable housing for residents 50+ to downsize and stay connected locally.
• Forbes Library, Northampton, will improve accessibility of outdoor performance stage. Video projection will provide for movies and closed captioning, increasing audience accessibility and enjoyment.
• Pittsfield Senior Center will help older adults prepare for emergencies with workshops, custom plans, and supply kits, boosting resilience through local partnerships.
• South Shore Habitat for Humanity, Quincy, will provide critical home modifications to allow for older adults to continue aging in the community. Projects will address bathroom grab bars, accessible ramps and accessibility features.
• WalkUP Roslindale aims to boost pedestrian safety in Roslindale Square with walk audits, community meetings, and improvements to sidewalks, crosswalks, and signage, involving older volunteers.
• Worcester Common Ground, Inc. will improve Pleasant Street’s safety and walkability with artistic crosswalks and signage to calm traffic and boost community pride.

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 Massachusetts 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.