AARP Commits Thousands of Dollars to Strengthen Eight Communities Across Montana

$83,255 in grants aims to help Montanans of all ages, especially older adults, improve how they live, move, and stay connected in their neighborhoods through innovative local projects

Helena, Mont., June 18, 2025 — AARP today announced eight organizations throughout Montana will receive 2025 Community Challenge grants. The grants are part of AARP’s $4.2 million commitment to fund 383 quick-action projects aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, with a focus on the needs of older adults. The funds will support efforts to improve public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and other key areas.

Now in its ninth year, the Challenge has awarded $632,786 through 61 grants in Montana since 2017 to nonprofit organizations and local government entities across the state. Grant projects will be funded in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

"AARP Montana is dedicated to partnering with community leaders, stakeholders and policymakers to enhance the vitality of Montana’s communities, ensuring they thrive for residents of all ages, particularly those 50 plus," said Tim Summers, AARP Montana State Director. "We’re excited to support this year’s grantees in driving meaningful, innovative community improvements that tackle both ongoing and new challenges across Montana."

Here in Montana, projects funded include:

City of Dillon, Montana: $4,000
The Vibrant Crosswalks Project will install seasonally themed, high-visibility crosswalks around Jaycee Park in Dillon. These enhancements aim to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility, especially for older adults and those with mobility challenges, while fostering community engagement.


City of Glasgow: $15,000
The City of Glasgow will build Montana's first outdoor fitness court, providing free physical fitness access for all, especially people aged 50-plus. Located next to the city's hospital, this court will encourage healthy habits and be accessible 24/7, benefiting older adult residents.
 

Cut Bank Trails (or the CBT): $10,000
The Nyhagen Trail will create a 1.4-mile paved, ADA-compliant path connecting the City of Cut Bank to the School District’s Sports Complex and Glacier Historical Museum. This project aims to provide a safe walking route, reducing pedestrian hazards from traffic.
 

Gallatin Valley Land Trust: $15,000
The Sunset Hills All-Abilities Trail Project will create accessible trails near the hospital and 55+ housing communities, promoting physical activity for all. The project aims to improve poorly maintained trails and provide a year-round, inclusive trail network.
 

Missoula In Motion: $12,000
The project will install two traffic-calming street murals on a key Neighborhood Greenway in the Northside neighborhood. One mural will be created during Sunday Streets Missoula, enhancing pedestrian safety and community connection while promoting active transportation and livability for residents, especially older adults.
 

Plains Pickleball Association: $9,755
This project will add courtside amenities to two new outdoor pickleball courts. These amenities include an equipment shed, perimeter pavers, benches, and a windbreak, enhancing play opportunities for older adults and all community members.
 

Red Lodge Area Community Foundation: $15,000
This project will transform the Roosevelt Center outdoor space into an accessible public greenspace with a winding pathway through sculpture gardens, accessible seating, and connections to the main street corridor. The pathway will improve mobility and allow visitors to enjoy the art up close.

 
Teton County MSU Extension: $2,500
This project will hold three community meetings with residents and City leaders to improve walkability in Choteau. Two walk audits will be planned with older adults in mind to connect safe sidewalks between key locations. Community service groups and older volunteers from the senior center will be recruited.

“AARP Community Challenge projects may be quick to launch, but their impact is long-lasting,” said Nancy A. LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer. “We’re proud to support communities nationwide to advance solutions that make neighborhoods and towns of all sizes better places to live where everyone can thrive. And this year, we’re particularly proud to invest in projects benefitting often overlooked rural areas.”

View the full list of grantees and their projects at aarp.org/communitychallenge. Learn more about AARP’s work to support livable communities at aarp.org/livable.


View Past Community Challenge Grant Winners in Montana:

• See the 2024 winners
• See the 2023 winners
• See the 2022 winners
• See the 2021 winners
• See the 2020 winners
• See the 2019 winners
• See the 2018 winners
• See the 2017 winners

View the latest edition of the Investing in Montana Communities report here >>