AARP Ohio Announces Grant Opportunity for Quick-Action Community Improvement Projects

Applications are currently being accepted through March 5, 2025 at 5 p.m.

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 p.m., ET.

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 ability to garner additional funds or support from public and private funders, encourage innovation, overcome local policy barriers, and receive greater 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.

• Flagship Grants: This is AARP’s traditional flagship Community Challenge grant program, which supports projects that improve public places, transportation, housing, digital connections and community resilience. Funding has 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 less than $20,000. Grants will not exceed $25,000.
  
• 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.
  
• 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.

"The Community Challenge grants are a critical part of how AARP Ohio works with local residents, advocates and policymakers to make our communities better places to live for people of all ages, especially Ohioans 50 and over," said AARP Ohio State Director Jenny Carlson. "These grants support opportunities to address pressing needs and test solutions that create lasting change, such as enhance public spaces, improve mobility, increase housing options and foster community engagement."

Since 2017, the AARP Community Challenge has funded over 1,700 projects nationwide, including more than 45 in Ohio.

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 5 p.m., March 5. All projects must be completed by Dec. 15, 2025.

To submit an application and learn more about the work being funded by the AARP Community Challenge in Ohio, as well as across the nation, visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge.

AARP Ohio Community Challenge Grantee Videos

• City of Chillicothe: 2023 Community Challenge
  
• Shanti Community Farms: 2023 Community Challenge
  
• StarkFresh: 2023 Community Challenge
  
• Habitat for Humanity: 2022 Community Challenge
  
• Union Miles Development Corporation: 2022 Community Challenge