AARP investing nearly 93,000 in Ohio 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 Ohio is incredibly proud to have 11 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 Ohio, these exciting projects were funded:

• Arcanum Public Library will build a gazebo offering free 24/7 high-speed internet. Designed to bridge the digital divide, providing access to online resources, social media, telehealth services, and more, especially benefiting individuals 50 and older.
• The Fairview Park Senior Center will establish a private telemedicine station to improve healthcare access for older adults. The new space will feature high-speed internet, telehealth software, and medical peripherals, allowing seniors to receive virtual medical care and support without the need for travel.
• The Colerain Township Fire Department will conduct home safety assessments for residents who are at risk of falls, identifying hazards and providing home safety products, like grab bars.
• Cycle Kettering Chapter of Bike Miami Valley will conduct a series of four bike audits focusing on access for people age 50 or over to key destinations like Senior, Recreation and Art Centers, schools, and city parks. Audit results will be shared during two community meetings with residents and city officials to improve biking infrastructure and guide future planning.
• Famicos Foundation in Cleveland will help more than 200 older adult residents in age-restricted apartments sign up for affordable internet service and provide basic computer skills training to promote digital inclusion.
• The West Akron Walk Audit Project volunteers will conduct a series of 15 or more walk audits focusing on people over 50 to identify areas needing sidewalk and crosswalk improvements.
• Marion County Council on Aging, utilizing vehicles with lift capabilities for those with mobility aids, will provide accessible transportation for older adults to out-of-county medical appointments. The goal is to ensure continued access to essential medical care for older adults.
• Neighborhood Alliance will provide Disaster Preparedness kits and training to vulnerable populations at multiple locations in Lorain County. The Mobile Seniors Services program will transport 20-25 older adults per session to these locations, equipping them with training and supplies for disaster scenarios.
• North Hill Community Development Corporation project will create a vibrant plaza connecting People’s Park with a mixed-use development on North Main Street in Akron. The new plaza will promote active aging, mental stimulation, and social ties through dedicated programming for people 50-plus, fostering community engagement and cultural exchange.
• United Seniors of Athens County will host two community walk audit forums to recruit and inform participants. The walk audits will cover six communities, two paths, and one trail. Results will be shared with government officials and the county Mobility Manager during a community project completion celebration.
• United Way of Hancock County is creating an accessible garden area in Findlay's Community Garden with raised beds and gathering spaces designed for residents 50-plus. Designed to promote food security, nutritious food access, and intergenerational engagement, enhancing the overall quality of life for the community.

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 Ohio 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 AARP Community Challenge grantees and members in the Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities