AARP investing $74,686 in North Dakota communities as part of nationwide grant program

AARP is excited to announce the largest investment of grant dollars to date through the AARP Community Challenge grant program which aims to make communities more livable for people of all ages, with a focus on people age 50+. More than $4.2 million in quick-action grants are being distributed to 383 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 2025, AARP is increasing its investment in rural communities, with 45% of the projects focused on these places. This marks our most substantial investment in rural grantmaking to date.

Toyota Motor North America is providing additional funding for pedestrian safety projects to improve streets and sidewalks nationwide. Microsoft is also contributing additional funding for digital connections projects aimed at expanding high-speed internet (broadband) access and adoption.

AARP North Dakota 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 North Dakota, these exciting projects were funded:

• Blue Zones Project, Grand Forks: This project will revitalize Smiley Park and Skidmore Park in the Near North Neighborhood. Improvements include raised garden beds, a little free library, historical signage, and safer sidewalk access. The project aims to enhance accessibility, promote social wellness, and reconnect the community.
  
• North Dakota’s Gateway to Science, Bismarck: This project will offer discounted admissions, interactive STEM activities, and hands-on technology workshops to promote digital literacy for individuals age 50-plus. The initiative aims to foster lifelong learning, social engagement, and confidence in navigating the digital world.
• Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Byway Association, Valley City: Wood Landing on the Sheyenne River Water Trail will provide a family picnic and fishing area with an age-friendly accessible kayak/canoe launch. This site will connect Little Yellowstone Park and Fort Ransom State Park, enhancing outdoor recreation for all ages and abilities.
• James River Senior Center and Public Transit, Jamestown: The James River Senior Center is relocating to a new facility with planned renovations to enhance safety, expand activities, and increase access to loaned medical equipment. Improvements include a paved parking lot, new flooring, an outdoor patio, raised gardens, and various new services for older adults.
• Rugby Chamber of Commerce and CVB, Rugby: The downtown park will be enhanced with Christmas decor, three benches, and a mural to create an appealing gathering space. These updates aim to make the area more walkable and inviting, providing a place for visitors to relax and enjoy the local businesses.
• Folkways, Fargo: The Folkways Ground Mural at 5th St N and 2nd Ave N will transform two busy intersections with artistic crosswalks and painted bump-outs. This project aims to enhance pedestrian safety and create a vibrant, inclusive space for all, especially older adults.

The AARP 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 of all ages to participate in community life.

To learn more about the work being funded by the AARP Community Challenge both here in [North Dakota and across the nation, visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge. You can also view the AARP Livable Communities Map – a free, interactive tool with information on AARP Community Challenge grantees and members in the Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.