AARP Oklahoma Announces 2024 Grant Opportunity for Quick-Action Community Improvement Projects

Henry, Melanie

We know that it takes time to build great communities, and 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 in 2024 for its eighth year and is currently accepting applications online through March 6, 2024, at 4 p.m. CT.

The AARP Community Challenge’s focus on tangible projects, community engagement and its quick-action timeline helps selected grantees fast-track ideas and replicate promising practices. Previous projects have demonstrated an ability to garner additional funds or support from public and private funders, encourage innovation, overcome local policy barriers and receive greater overall 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 or tens of thousands for larger projects. In 2024, the AARP Community Challenge is accepting applications across three different grant opportunities.

Ø Flagship Grants: This is AARP’s traditional flagship Community Challenge grant program, where grants have ranged from several hundred dollars for smaller, short-term activities to tens of thousands of dollars for larger projects. These grants will support projects that improve public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, community resilience, and community health and economic empowerment.

Ø Capacity-Building Microgrants: These $2,500 grants are combined with additional valuable resources, such as webinars, cohort learning opportunities, up to two hours of one-on-one coaching, and AARP publications. This grant opportunity will accept applications for projects that support Walk Audits, Bike Audits and HomeFit® Modifications.

Ø Demonstration Grants: Supporting demonstration efforts that encourage replication of promising local efforts, this grant opportunity will accept applications for digital connectivity to prepare for and respond to disasters, equitable engagement to reconnect communities and housing choice design competitions.

“AARP Oklahoma is committed to working with local residents, advocates, and policymakers to make our communities better places to live for people of all ages,” said AARP State President Jim Randall. “The Community Challenge grants prove that quick-action projects can lead to long-term change, especially for Oklahomans aged 50 and over.” 

Since 2017, AARP has invested $16.4 million toward 1,370 projects, including 22 AARP Community Challenge grants in Oklahoma. The grantees implemented quick-action projects to help communities become more livable by improving public places, transportation, housing, and digital connections, including rural, suburban, and urban communities, focusing on the needs of those 50 and older.

Grants can range from several hundred dollars for small, short-term activities to tens of thousands for larger projects. Completed Community Challenge Grant projects in 2023 in Oklahoma include:

· The Bridge – Pauls Valley: Four walk audits were conducted to identify and document unsafe streets for older pedestrians and make the case for future improvements.

· City of Grove: This project added lighting and signals to downtown crosswalks to help make them safer, particularly for older pedestrians.

· Southern Oklahoma Library System: This project created two telehealth rooms in Tishomingo and Sulphur libraries so residents can access telemedicine services.

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 2024 grant cycle is March 6 at 4 p.m. CT. All projects must be completed by December 15, 2024.

To submit an application and learn more about the work being funded by the AARP Community Challenge, visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge.