AARP Awards Grants to Strengthen Tennessee Communities

Seven grant recipients aim to help residents of all ages, especially older adults, improve how they live, move, and stay connected in their neighborhoods through innovative local projects 

Nashville, Tenn.— AARP today announced six Tennessee organizations will receive 2025 Community Challenge grants. The grants are part of AARP’s $4.2 million commitment to fund 383 quick-action projects aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, with a focus on the needs of older adults. The funds will support efforts to improve public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and other key areas.

Since 2017, the AARP Community Challenge initiative has awarded more than $353,000 to 41 organizations including nonprofits and local government entities across Tennessee. Check out the complete list of Tennessee Challenge Grant recipients >>

Nationally, grant projects will be funded in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

“AARP Tennessee is proud to work with communities across the state to help make them more livable for people of all ages,” said AARP Tennessee State Director Mia McNeil. “These projects are about turning great local ideas into real improvements that make everyday life better, especially for older Tennesseans.”

The 2025 Challenge Grant projects in Tennessee include:

1. Crossville, Tennessee: Downtown Crossville Inc.
Crossville will refurbish Veterans Memorial Park, ensuring that there are ADA-compliant features such as flat paths, wider walkways, and accessible seating. These additions will provide a space that is safe for all to enjoy, especially older adults and those with limited mobility.

2. Lawrenceburg, Tennessee: Downtown Lawrenceburg
The Portable Putt Putt Project will transform downtown Lawrenceburg with a mobile mini golf course specifically designed with accessibility in mind. This mobile golf course not only brings excitement and activity, it also promotes healthy habits such as walking and socializing within the community.

3. Jackson, Tennessee: City of Jackson
The City of Jackson will host an ADU design competition to create three pre-approved plans, making it easier and more affordable for homeowners to build ADUs. This project aims to support aging in place and multi-generational living.

4. Memphis, Tennessee: The Works Inc.
This project will conduct three walk audits in South Memphis from community locations to Renaissance Pocket Park. To assess and improve walkability in the community, especially for older adults, the audits will be completed with help from the Senior Walking Group, the neighborhood's senior center, and volunteers. Local government and law enforcement will also be involved and the audit will end with a community event at the park.

5. Stanton, Tennessee: United Way of West Tennessee
As Stanton prepares for the upcoming Ford Blue Oval City plant, the town is anticipating rapid growth. In preparation of this, Staton is aiming to asses and improve walkability by conducting at least two walk audits from the Ford Community Center to the Town Hall and local businesses.

6. Memphis, Tennessee: Center for Transforming Communities
Project 1: The Douglass & Hollywood Disaster Preparedness Initiative will teach residents, especially those age 50-plus, emergency planning skills and provide disaster kits. Two workshops will cover preparedness strategies, local disaster risks, and enhancing neighborhood response networks.

Project 2: The HomeFit Douglass project will help residents assess and implement home modifications for safety and accessibility. The goal is 20 older adults to identify resources and small funding for improvements like ramps, porch rails, and front door lighting. This project promotes independence and community support.

“AARP Community Challenge projects may be quick to launch, but their impact is long-lasting,” said Nancy A. LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer. “We’re proud to support communities nationwide to advance solutions that make neighborhoods and towns of all sizes better places to live where everyone can thrive. And this year, we’re particularly proud to invest in projects benefitting often overlooked rural areas.”

View the full list of grantees and their projects at aarp.org/communitychallenge. Learn more about AARP’s work to support livable communities at aarp.org/livable.