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 that the program is back for its ninth year and is currently accepting applications online through March 5, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. CT.

The AARP Community Challenge focuses on tangible change, community engagement and its quick-action timeline helps selected grantees fast-track ideas and replicate promising practices. 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 for larger projects.

In 2025, the AARP Community Challenge program is accepting applications across three different grant opportunities designed to help communities become more livable for all residents, especially those age 50 and over.

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. Since 2017, AARP has funded projects with an average grant amount of $10,000-12,000 and 92% of grants being $20,000 or less. Grants will not exceed $25,000. These grants will support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; and community resilience.

Capacity-Building Microgrants
These $2,500 grants are combined with additional resources, such as webinars, cohort learning opportunities, up to two hours of one-on-one coaching from leading national nonprofit organizations and AARP publications. This grant opportunity will accept applications for projects that support Disaster Preparedness Training, Walk Audits, Bike Audits and HomeFit® Guide Modifications.

Demonstration Grants
This opportunity funds demonstration projects that encourage replication of promising local efforts. Grants tend to fall between $10,000-$20,000 and will not exceed $25,000. This grant opportunity will accept applications for projects that enhance pedestrian safety with funding support from Toyota Motor North America; expand high-speed internet (broadband) access and adoption with funding support from Microsoft; reconnect communities divided by infrastructure; and implement housing design competitions.

Since 2017, the AARP Community Challenge has funded over 1,700 projects nationwide. 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. Last year, Minnesota funded these projects:

• City of West St. Paul (West St. Paul) for $20,000 - The city hosted a series of intergenerational events meant to revive an underused public park. The events, including a movie in the park, community meal and crosswalk painting, informed future park system improvements.
• Asian American Business Resilience Network (Saint Paul) for $20,000 - This project created a virtual reality production depicting life in the Rondo neighborhood before, during and after a 1960s Interstate highway project split the community in two. Organizers asked older residents to contribute their stories.
• Woodbury Thrives (Woodbury) for $6,600 - This project made improvements to a community garden, allowing older adults and people with disabilities to use the space. Enhancements include ADA-compliant raised beds, signage and new gardening tools.
• ConnectAbility of MN (Waite Park) for $11,450 - This project repaired a trailer used to transport donated wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs and other assistive devices. In addition, the organization created a model raised garden, which will be accessible for gardeners using wheelchairs or walkers.
• Koochiching County (International Falls) for $11,775 - The county engaged with high school students to teach digital skills to older adult residents and veterans. A local business provided low-cost, used laptops loaded with software, which participants can keep after the training.

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 2025 grant cycle is March 5, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. CT. All projects must be completed by December 15, 2025.


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