AARP Commits Thousands of Dollars to Strengthen 3 Communities In Utah

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 award its largest number of grants ever through the AARP Community Challenge grant program. More than $4.2 million in quick-action grants are being distributed to 383 projects across all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The funds will support efforts to improve public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and other key areas.

“AARP Community Challenge projects may be quick to launch, but the impact is long-lasting,” said Alan Ormsby, State Director, AARP Utah. “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.”

2025 Utah Recipients of the AARP Community Challenge Grant

Through the AARP Community Challenge Grant, the Southeastern Community Action Partnership put the funds to use by helping to address food insecurity in Carbon, Emery, Grand and San Juan counties. The money was used to help build a community garden that will provide fresh fruits and vegetables to increase food security, offer a sustainable solution to food scarcity, increase volunteerism, and provide hands on learning opportunities.

Switchpoint’s "The Point" initiative in Salt Lake City transforms properties into affordable studio apartments for older adults and veterans. The grant helped to fund parts of that project, including extensive renovations and supportive services, fostering community, independence, and stability for vulnerable populations.

Maple Springs Park in Mantua has transformed into a beautiful four-seasons park with ADA-compliant walkways, benches, pickleball courts, and stunning mountain views. This grant helped the Town of Mantua build amenities such as tables, bleachers, a bandstand, and more.
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The AARP Community Challenge Grant program is funding projects across three different grant opportunities, including flagship grants, capacity-building microgrants, and demonstration grants.

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 Utah 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.