AARP North Carolina Announces Its 2018 Community Challenge Grant Program to Help Make Communities Better Places to Live for All Ages

RALEIGH— AARP is now accepting applications for the 2018 Community Challenge grant program to fund “quick-action” projects that spark change in local communities. The grant program, which is now in its second year, is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which aims to make communities great places to live for everyone.

The Community Challenge is open to 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(6) nonprofits and government entities and other types of organizations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  Projects may range in scale from small, short-term activities costing hundreds of dollars to larger projects with budgets of a few thousand dollars. The program will accept applications in the following categories for 2018:

• delivering a range of transportation and connectivity options in the community through permanent or temporary solutions that increase walkability, bikeability, wayfinding, access to transportation options and roadway improvements
• creating vibrant public places in the community through permanent or temporary solutions that activate open spaces, improve parks and improve access to amenities
• supporting the availability of a range of housing in the community through permanent or temporary solutions that increase accessible and affordable housing options
• other innovative projects to improve the community

“The AARP Community Challenge Program is aimed at catalyzing change and improving the quality of life for people of all ages in communities nationwide,” said AARP North Carolina Director Doug Dickerson. There are tremendous opportunities for positive change in communities across North Carolina and we encourage eligible entities to apply for these quick-action grants to make their communities more livable for all.”

In 2017, AARP awarded 88 grants through the Community Challenge to nonprofit organizations and government entities representing every state. Please visit http://bit.ly/2017GrantWinners to see some of the 2017 winners in action, helping to revitalize alleyways, build dog parks, enliven underutilized public spaces and improve unsafe intersections.

AARP North Carolina works in collaboration with communities across the state, bringing people together and providing resources and expertise to help make North Carolina’s counties, towns and cities great places to live for people of all ages. Nearly 2.5 million residents live in areas working on AARP “age-friendly” designation by making improvements to transportation options, public spaces, access to health care and more. AARP is encouraging other cities and rural areas identify what needs to be done to meet the needs of the state’s rapidly aging population.

The application deadline is 5 p.m. ET, May 16, 2018, and all projects must be completed by November 5, 2018. Applications must be submitted through AARP.org/CommunityChallenge.