AARP investing $75,358 in Granite State communities as part of nationwide grant program

Six organizations across New Hampshire are getting a boost in their work to become more livable for residents of all ages.

Each year, AARP works in partnership with local leaders, organizations, and dedicated residents to help make that vision a reality. As part of that effort, AARP is excited to announce the largest investment of grant dollars to date through the AARP Community Challenge grant program. More than $3.8 million in quick-action grants are being distributed to 343 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 2024, AARP is bolstering its investment in digital connectivity, community resilience, rural communities, and addressing disparities. With additional funding support provided by Toyota Motor North America, the program is also increasing its investment in pedestrian safety projects that will improve streets and sidewalks, create vibrant pedestrian infrastructure, engage community members and much more.

AARP New Hampshire is incredibly proud to have six 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 New Hampshire, these exciting projects were funded:

• Special Needs Support Center of the Upper Valley (Lebanon): This project works with businesses and organizations to create a community where all people, regardless of age or disability, can belong through toolboxes of accommodations.
  
• The Historic Claremount Opera House (Claremont): This accessibility seating project will create a permanent physical improvement that will allow the venue to accommodate more livable and inclusive arts and culture experiences for people of all ages and abilities.
  
• Ossipee Concerned Citizens (Center Ossipee): These demonstrations will spur action for all citizens, especially older adults, to be prepared for more frequent environmental disasters by providing materials, education, and connections to their municipal first responders.
  
• WSCA 106.1fm Portsmouth Community Radio (Portsmouth): This project will upgrade WSCA's Button Factory Stage with cutting-edge technology to enhance accessibility for older adults, fostering a vibrant, inclusive space for community events and cultural engagement.
  
• VNA at Home Healthcare, Hospice and Community Services, Inc. (Keene): This project will provide personal medical devices and training to VNA patients to report personal health information during telehealth calls. Devices are not affordable and are not covered by insurance.
• Southwest Region Planning Commission (33 Municipalities in Southwest NH): This project, From Homeowners to Home Creators: A Monadnock Region ADU Design Challenge, will facilitate creation of ADU concepts that respond to rural housing needs as well as specific barriers faced by real households.

The 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 to participate in community life.

To learn more about the work being funded by the AARP Community Challenge in New Hampshire 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 the more than 1,700 AARP Community Challenge grantees and more than 800 members in the Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.