Grant Opportunity: Quick-Action Community Improvement Projects

We know that it takes time to build great communities. But we also believe that tangible improvements can spark long-term change. AARP launched the Community Challenge grant program in 2017 to fund projects that build momentum to improve livability nationwide. We are excited to announce the program is back in 2024 for its eighth year and is currently accepting applications online through March 6, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. CT.

The AARP Community Challenge’s focus on tangible projects, community engagement and its quick-action timeline helps selected grantees fast-track ideas and replicate promising practices. Previous projects have demonstrated an ability to garner additional funds or support from public and private funders, encourage innovation, overcome local policy barriers and receive greater overall awareness and engagement.

The grant program is open to 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(6) nonprofits and government entities. Grants can range from several hundred dollars for small, short-term activities to several thousand or tens of thousands for larger projects. In 2024, the AARP Community Challenge is accepting applications across three different grant opportunities.

• Flagship Grants
  This is AARP’s traditional, flagship Community Challenge grant program where grants have ranged from several hundred dollars for smaller, short-term activities to tens of thousands of dollars for larger projects. These grants will support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; community resilience; and community health and economic empowerment.
  
• Capacity-Building Microgrants
  These $2,500 grants are combined with additional valuable resources, such as webinars, cohort learning opportunities, up to two hours of one-on-one coaching, and AARP publications. This grant opportunity will accept applications for projects that support Walk Audits, Bike Audits and HomeFit® Modifications.
  
• Demonstration Grants
  Supporting demonstration efforts that encourage replication of promising local efforts, this grant opportunity will accept applications for digital connectivity to prepare for and respond to disasters; equitable engagement to reconnect communities; and housing choice design competitions.
  

Since 2017, the AARP Community Challenge has funded over 1,370 projects nationwide, including 34 right here in Minnesota. Last year, Minnesota funded these projects:

• Alexandria: Cycling Without Age Alexandria
  The organization, which pairs volunteer pilots with older adults and people with restricted mobility for bike rides, will purchase two specialized three-wheel bikes, known as trishaws.  

• Duluth: Community Action Duluth
  This project will invite older adults to become vibrant participants in Duluth’s farmers markets and mobile grocery program by increasing opportunities to connect through volunteering, community visioning and intergenerational play. 

• Duluth: Ecolibrium3(Eco3)
  This project will engage older adult volunteers to help create an inclusive intergenerational space for social activities on the site of a former urban college farm. Capacity-Building Microgrant 

• Duluth: Lincoln Park Resource Center
  The Center will improve the accessibility of a community garden by installing safe walkways, ramps, handrails and benches so community members can use the garden plots to grow healthy food, get exercise and host social events. 

• Lake City: Lake City Port Authority
  This project will provide older homeowners access to accessory dwelling unit (ADU) design blueprints as well as information about the benefits of ADUs. Demonstration Grant

• Madison: The Madison Mercantile
  This project will provide access to digital devices, including training and troubleshooting, to ensure older adults living in the rural community maximize their digital literacy. 

• Rochester: Family Service Rochester
  The project will conduct 12 walk audits in a neighborhood sidewalk improvement district in support of the city’s Community Development Department Active Transportation Plan. Capacity-Building Microgrant

• Saint Peter: Point to Place
  This project will convert a vacant lot into a downtown plaza and community event space, providing a gathering place for residents and visitors.

The AARP Community Challenge grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and counties across the country to become great places to live for people of all ages. We believe that communities should provide residents of all ages, (especially people 50 and older) with safe, walkable streets; affordable and accessible housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities to participate in community life.

The application deadline for the 2024 grant cycle is March 6, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. CT. All projects must be completed by December 15, 2024.

To submit an application and learn more about the work being funded by the AARP Community Challenge both here in Minnesota, as well as across the nation, visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge.