AARP Invests More Than $53,000 in Tennessee Communities as Part of Nationwide Grant Program 

Five communities across Tennessee are getting a boost in their work to become more livable for residents of all ages


The residents of five communities across Tennessee will be benefitting from newly funded projects as part of the 2024 AARP Community Challenge Grant initiative.

Each year, AARP works in partnership with local leaders, organizations, and dedicated residents to help make that vision a reality. As part of that effort, AARP is excited to announce the largest investment of grant dollars to date through the AARP Community Challenge grant program.


The AARP Community Challenge funds innovative projects that inspire change in areas such as public places; housing; transportation; and more. In 2024, AARP is bolstering its investment in digital connectivity, community resilience, rural communities, and addressing disparities. With additional funding support provided by Toyota Motor North America, the program is also increasing its investment in pedestrian safety projects that will improve streets and sidewalks, create vibrant pedestrian infrastructure, engage community members and much more.

“AARP Tennessee is incredibly proud to have seven projects granted right here in our state,” said AARP Tennessee State Director Mia McNeil. “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 Tennessee, these exciting projects were funded:

· Mustard Seed Inc. in Memphis will provide seniors in South City and surrounding neighborhoods with computer skills and technical tools through digital engagement

· YMCA of Middle Tennessee in Nashville will pilot a digital connectivity project for its older members, providing computer lab open hours with HBCU students and a Lunch and Learn series

· The City of Pikeville will create a Trail of Tears mural, positioned at main street stage, to enhance the area's aesthetic appeal, and encourage discussions that foster remembrance and healing.

· Community Legal Center in Memphis will deliver free wills and estate planning services to low-income seniors in the Memphis area who cannot afford to hire a private attorney

· The Mooresburg Community Association will initiate a home modification and repair program in rural Mooresburg where many homes are very old and in disrepair due to low-incomes to manage them.

The 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 to participate in community life.

To learn more about the work being funded by the AARP Community Challenge both here in Tennessee 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 the more than 1,700 AARP Community Challenge grantees and more than 800 members in the Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.