AARP New Jersey Announces 2025 Grant Opportunity for Quick-Action Community Improvement Projects

Applications are currently being accepted through March 5, 2025, 5:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. PT

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 for its ninth year and is currently accepting applications online through March 5, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. PT.

The AARP Community Challenge’s focus on tangible change, 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 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.

Ø 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.

Ø 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.

Ø 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.

“We are thrilled to open the AARP Community Challenge grant program once again and we encourage all eligible organizations to apply,” said Chris Widelo, AARP New Jersey State Director “Past grantees have made tangible improvements that spark long-term change in communities across New Jersey.”

Since 2017, the AARP Community Challenge has funded over 1,700 projects nationwide, including 36 right here in New Jersey. In 2024, our office funded five impactful grants aimed at enhancing the lives of older adults and the broader community. The first grant, supporting the Jersey City housing Authority, focused on empowering aging workers by providing a seamless transition from manual labor to digital and office-based roles through comprehensive training in digital literacy and professional development. The second grant with Maplewood Memorial Park Conservancy improved park accessibility by completing an interior pathway loop, making it safer and more enjoyable for commuters, older adults, and park users, while also restoring a historic entryway to create a welcoming park entrance. The third initiative supported Montclair Gateway to Aging in Place, a training program to help older adults access digital communication tools, assistive technology, and environmental alerts, fostering independent living. The fourth grant funded The Food Brigade's initiative, which introduced an innovative grocery store experience to enhance the dignity of seniors and others facing food insecurity. Finally, the office funded an intergenerational project with the Township of Montclair to engage seniors in a vegetable garden with Troop 12, promoting mobility and dexterity while fostering community connections through the sharing of produce.

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 5:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. PT. 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 both here in New Jersey as well as across the nation, visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge.