Twelve Texas organizations receive 2025 Community Challenge Grants

The 2025 AARP Community Challenge Grant Program has once again spotlighted the creativity and dedication of Texas communities working to make their neighborhoods more livable for people of all ages. This year’s winners represent a wide range of projects that enhance public spaces, improve housing and transportation, expand digital access, and promote safety and mobility.

“AARP Texas is committed to working with local leaders, advocates and policymakers to make our communities better places to live for Texans of all ages, especially older adults,” said Texas State Director Tina Tran. “AARP Community Challenge grantees make our commitment to creating more livable places a reality through quick, innovative solutions. So, we’re looking forward to what these projects will accomplish.”

Listed below are the 2025 Texas projects that will be funded by AARP:

ActivateSA, San Antonio will install two artistic crosswalks on Blanco Road in the Beacon Hill neighborhood. These crosswalks will benefit local residents, including older adults, by improving walkability and creating vibrant, inviting pathways.

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, especially for older adults.

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.

Fit Houston, Houston will conduct walk audits in Fort Bend County to assess sidewalk conditions, safer streets and explore potential 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.

Gardopia Gardens, San Antonio will create a community garden at the Ella Austin Community Center. The project will offer hands-on gardening, food education, and intergenerational activities for adults age 50 and older, promoting healthy aging, social connection, and sustainable food access.

Good Life Taylor, Taylor will conduct bike audits with volunteers from Ride Taylor and senior fitness classes at Taylor Parks & Recreation to identify accessibility issues along hike and bike trails and key community destinations like clinics, parks, and stores. The goal is to improve bike infrastructure and promote active transportation for all ages.

Mayfield Park, Sugar Land will offer educational trainings on home safety, comfort, and accessibility, focusing on older adults and their families. A community display will showcase home modifications, and participants will receive low-cost safety and accessibility products to use in their homes.

Meals on Wheels Central Texas, Austin will host six emergency preparedness events at their Central Texas Congregate sites. Participants will learn basic first aid and disaster pre-planning, and receive bilingual checklists and first aid/personal disaster preparedness kits.

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, displays and social media to raise awareness.

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 to enhance greater independence and engagement in the community.

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.

The 2025 grants made to Texas organizations range from $2,500 to $22,000 and include urban, rural, and suburban-based organizations. Since 2017, Texas has been awarded a total of $704,992 in Community Challenge grants. Over that time, 57 organizations across the state have received funding to bring their innovative ideas to life.

The grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods, and rural areas to become great places to live for people of all ages, with an emphasis on people ages 50 and older. True to the program’s quick-action nature, projects must be completed by mid-December 2025.

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.