AARP Nebraska Announces Grant Opportunity for “Quick-Action” Projects

We know that it takes time to build great communities. But, we also believe that quick action can spark longer-term progress. AARP launched the AARP Community Challenge in 2017 to fund projects that build momentum to improve livability for all. We are excited to announce the program is back in 2020 for its 4^th year and is currently accepting applications through the May 15^th deadline.

The Community Challenge is open to 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(6) nonprofits and government entities. Other types of organizations will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Grants can range from several hundred dollars for small, short-term activities to several thousand or tens of thousands for larger projects.

The program will accept applications for projects in the following categories:

· *New in 2020* Increase civic engagement with innovative and tangible projects that bring residents and local leaders together to address challenges and facilitate a greater sense of community inclusion and diversity;

· Create vibrant public places through permanent or temporary solutions that activate open spaces, improve parks and enhance access to amenities;

· Deliver a range of transportation and mobility options through permanent or temporary solutions that increase walkability, bikeability, wayfinding, access to transportation options and roadway improvements;

· Support the availability of a range of housing through permanent or temporary solutions that increase accessible and affordable housing options;

· Demonstrate the tangible value of “Smart Cities” by developing and implementing innovative programs that engage residents in accessing, understanding and using data and participating in decision-making to increase quality of life for all; and

· Other innovative projects to improve the community.

“We are thrilled to bring this grant opportunity back to Nebraska in 2020 and we encourage all eligible organizations to apply,” said Todd Stubbendieck, state director of AARP Nebraska. “We’ve seen tangible results from the AARP Community Challenge grant program supporting communities in Nebraska as they make quick changes and inspire long-term progress.”

The application deadline for 2020 AARP Community Challenge grants is Friday, May 15, 2020, 10:59 p.m. CT. All projects must be completed by Friday, December 18, 2020.

For more information or to apply, visit AARP.org/CommunityChallenge.

Madeline Cass

Since 2017, Community Challenge grants have funded 376 projects across the U.S., including six innovative Nebraska projects in Hebron, Kearney, Hastings, Grand Island and Omaha:

· Installation of wayfinding signage and benches in Hebron for increased walkability (2017).

· Start-up capital for recruitment and training of drivers for a ride-sharing system serving Kearney residents (2017).

· Along the North 24^th St. corridor, a City of Omaha project supports outdoor physical activity, active transportation and activation of public space with park-like benches at bus stops, planters for accessible gardening near senior housing and temporary, interactive art installations in a vacant lot (2018).

· ONE Omaha hosted Omaha NeighborFest2018: Activating People, Places and Spaces. With an emphasis on hands-on learning, the festival featured project demonstrations, neighborhood tours, walk audits, and a variety of community-engaged local vendors and live music (2018).

· The City of Hastings’ project supports increased outdoor physical activity for older and less active residents by installing recharge stations with benches, water fountains, concrete pads, landscaping and shade trees along the city’s Pioneer Spirit trail. (2019)

· Grow Grand Island, Inc. placed way-finding totems in “Railside,’ Grand Island’s renovated historic downtown area. The totems help pedestrians of all ages navigate Railside while also discovering the history and art it has to offer. (2019)