AARP Texas Opens Applications for 2026 Community Challenge Grants

Big ideas can make a big difference and AARP Texas wants to help bring yours to life. Local organizations and governments across the state are invited to apply for the 2026 AARP Community Challenge Grant (CCG) program, now through March 4. These grants fund quick-action projects that create long-term impact by improving public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connections, and more.

Now in its 10th year, the Community Challenge is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which helps cities, towns, neighborhoods, and rural areas become great places for people of all ages.

“AARP Texas is excited to kick off the Community Challenge to continue helping Texas communities become even greater places for people of all backgrounds, abilities and ages, especially Texans age 50-plus,” said Lisa Rodriguez, AARP Texas director. “We know that quick-turnaround projects can lead to very tangible and long-lasting improvements, so we’re eager to see what will be proposed.”

What’s New in 2026? Three Grant Opportunities
This year’s program offers three distinct opportunities for funding. All projects must meet eligibility criteria and align with AARP’s mission to serve people 50 and older.

1. Flagship Grants
· Support projects that improve public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and disaster resilience.
· Awards: From a few hundred dollars up to $15,000.

2. Capacity-Building Microgrants
Grants are paired with expert support, webinars, and cohort learning and focus on:

• Walkability and bikeability
• Safe, accessible home modifications
• Disaster preparedness training
• Awards: $2,500.

3. Demonstration Grants
Designed to encourage replication of exemplary local efforts, this year’s focus includes:

• Pedestrian safety (with support from Toyota Motor North America)
• High-speed internet access and adoption (with support from Microsoft)
• Housing choice design competitions
• Awards: Typically $10,000–$20,000, not to exceed $25,000.

Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:

• 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations
• Government entities
• Other organizations on a case-by-case basis

Deadline: Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. ET on March 4, 2026.
Project Completion: All projects must wrap up by December 15, 2026.
Apply and learn more: http://www.AARP.org/CommunityChallenge

Why It Matters
Since 2017, AARP has invested $24.3 million in 2,100 livability projects nationwide. In Texas alone, 57 grants totaling nearly $705,000 have been awarded, including 12 grantees in 2025. These projects share one goal: creating practical, meaningful changes that improve quality of life, especially for older adults. See our Spotlight below for more information on our 2025 grantees

The program supports all community types—rural, suburban, and urban—with a special focus on the needs of those 50 and older.

Spotlight: 2025 Texas Grantees
Here’s a look at the inspiring projects funded last year:

• Gardopia Gardens (San Antonio) will establish a community garden at the Ella Austin Community Center. The project will offer hands-on gardening, food education, and intergenerational activities for adults aged 50 and older, promoting healthy aging and sustainable food access.
  
• Wesley Community Center (Houston) is launching a digital resilience initiative to help older adults prepare for natural disasters. The program includes technology resources like Chromebooks and solar-powered chargers, along with workshops to ensure digital connectivity and safety.
  
• Beloved Community Center (Dallas) is addressing tangled property titles that prevent families from accessing homeownership benefits. The project connects older adults with free legal assistance and estate planning services to secure their homes and prevent future title issues.
  
• BikeTexas (Austin) will create a 104-foot mural along the city’s urban trail loop. The mural, which celebrates Austin’s 1871 railroad history, will feature 13 panels of local art and encourage outdoor recreation and community wellbeing.
  
• The Cindy Ramsey Center (Fort Worth) is providing critical home repairs and accessibility upgrades for older adults in North Fort Worth. The project includes installing ramps, handrails, and other safety features to support aging in place.
  
• ActivateSA (San Antonio) will install two artistic crosswalks on Blanco Road in the Beacon Hill neighborhood. These crosswalks aim to improve pedestrian safety and mobility while creating vibrant, welcoming public spaces.
  
• The Pottsboro Library (Pottsboro) is expanding its Digital Navigator Program to help older adults in rural areas gain digital skills. The program offers personalized tech support for telehealth, online safety, and staying connected with family and community.
  
• Meals on Wheels Central Texas (Austin) will host six emergency preparedness events at congregate sites. Participants will learn basic first aid and disaster planning, receive bilingual checklists, and take home personal preparedness kits.
  
• Fit Houston (Houston) will conduct walk audits in Fort Bend County to assess sidewalk conditions and explore trail expansion opportunities along Keegan’s Bayou. The project includes translated materials and community meetings to advocate for better active transportation options and ensure older adults’ voices are heard.
  
• Mayfield Park (Sugar Land) will offer educational trainings on home safety and accessibility. A community display will showcase home modifications, and participants will receive low-cost safety products to use in their homes.
  
• Mobile Comunidad (Fort Davis) will host monthly training events to recruit volunteers who can help older adults with simple home modifications and accessibility solutions, primarily for those 50+. The project also includes outreach through media and social platforms to raise awareness.
  
• Good Life Taylor (Taylor) will conduct bike audits with volunteers from Ride Taylor and senior fitness classes at Taylor Parks & Rec. to identify accessibility issues along trails and key community destinations. The goal is to improve bike infrastructure and promote active transportation for all ages.

Ready to Make Your Community More Livable?
Don’t miss this chance to turn your ideas into action. Apply today and join the movement to make Texas communities great places for all ages. http://www.AARP.org/CommunityChallenge