AARP Eye Center
WASHINGTON, DC—Today, AARP announced the awardees for its 2018 AARP Community Challenge grant program. A total of $1.3 million will be distributed to fund 129 "quick action" projects across the country, helping communities make immediate improvements and jumpstart long-term progress to support residents of all ages. Nearly 1,600 applications were received from non-profits and government entities for the program, now in its second year. Each of the projects, which must be completed by November 5, is designed to achieve one or more of the following outcomes:
* Deliver a range of transportation and mobility options that increase connectivity, walkability, bikeability, and/or access to public and private transit.
* Create vibrant public places that improve open spaces, parks and access to other amenities.
* Support the availability of a range of housing that increases accessible and affordable housing options.
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Rhode Island Winners
* East Providence: City of East Providence
This grant will install five park benches and game tables, and replace the tops and benches of two existing picnic tables in the Central Avenue Park.
* Providence: Rhode Island College Foundation
This grant will educate community residents on how to install applications and use ride-sourcing services through bi-weekly education sessions and safety education with the community police department.
"AARP has teams on the ground in communities across the country who hear from mayors, community leaders and local residents about the value of getting quick wins to create long-term change. We developed the Community Challenge Grant Program to answer that call and help build momentum for more livable communities nationwide," said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer. "This year, we are proud to fund more projects in more communities in all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico."
"We are thrilled East Providence and Rhode Island College Foundation have been recognized and we are confident the the work the grants enable will improve the lives of many Rhode Islanders," added AARP Rhode Island State Director Kathleen Connell. "The winning selections were among many outstanding and worthy submissions representing Livable Communities engagement and activities we honor and support."
The Community Challenge grant program is part of AARP's nationwide Livable Communities initiative that helps communities become great places to live for residents of all ages. AARP staff and volunteers are working with roughly 300 communities across the country, engaging and mobilizing community residents, delivering technical assistance and expertise to local leaders and organizations, and supporting the work of the 275 communities and two states that have enrolled in the AARP Network of Age Friendly States and Communities. AARP also provides resources and publications to encourage local action such as the Roadmap to Livability and the AARP book-series Where We Live: Communities for All Ages.
To learn more about AARP's livable communities work in communities across the country and the AARP Community Challengeplease visit www.aarp.org/livable.
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