AARP Ohio Announces 2026 Grant Opportunity for Quick-Action Community Improvement Projects

2026 Applications Accepted Through March 4, 2026 at 5 p.m. ET.

Building great communities takes time – but small, tangible improvements can spark lasting change. That’s the idea behind the AARP Community Challenge, a grant program launched in 2017 to support quick-action projects that enhance livability nationwide.

Now in its tenth year, the program is accepting applications through March 4, 2026, at aarp.org/CommunityChallenge.

The AARP Community Challenge is designed to:

• Accelerate local ideas
• Encourage innovation
• Overcome policy barriers
• Attract additional funding and support

It’s open to 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations, government entities, and other organizations on a case-by-case basis. All projects must be completed by December 15, 2026.

AARP is offering three distinct funding tracks to help communities become more livable for people of all ages – especially those 50 and older.

• Flagship Grants: Support projects that improve Public Places; Transportation; Housing; Digital Connections; and Disaster Resilience. Awards range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000.
• Capacity-Building Microgrants: $2,500 grants paired with expert support, webinars, and cohort learning. Focus areas include Walk Audits, Bike Audits, HomeFit® Guide Modifications, and Disaster Preparedness Training.
• Demonstration Grants: Designed to replicate promising local efforts. Topics include Pedestrian Safety (funding support from Toyota Motor North America), High-Speed Internet (funding support from Microsoft), and Housing Design Competitions. Awards typically range from $10,000-$20,000, and will not exceed $25,000.

“Through the Community Challenge grant program, AARP Ohio partners with local residents, advocates, and policymakers to create tangible improvements that make communities more livable for people of all ages—especially Ohioans 50 and older,” said Jenny Carlson, AARP Ohio State Director. “As we celebrate the program’s tenth anniversary and Ohio’s first full year as part of the AARP Age-Friendly Network, we’re excited to build on the momentum of more than 56 projects already funded in Ohio. This year’s expanded investment gives us an incredible opportunity to help communities advance their Age-Friendly action plans and make Ohio a place where everyone can grow up and grow old together.”

Since 2017, AARP has funded 2,100 projects nationwide, including more than 56 in Ohio. The grants have helped fund walk audits to make communities more walkable, develop parks and outdoor spaces, build a grocery store in a food desert, provide computer training and online access, and prepare disaster preparedness bags for any emergency.

The grant program is part of AARP’s Livable Communities initiative, which helps neighborhoods, towns, cities, and counties become great places to live for people of all ages. We believe communities should offer:

• Safe, walkable streets
• Affordable and accessible housing
• Reliable transportation options
• Access to services
• Opportunities for civic and social engagement

Apply Today

Interested organizations are encouraged to attend AARP Ohio’s virtual information session on Jan. 20 at 1 p.m. Click here to register. To learn more, explore past grantees, and submit your application, visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge.

Deadline: March 4, 2026 at 5 p.m. ET.

Project Completion: December 15, 2026.