AARP Awards $54,500 to Six VT Community Action Organizations

AARP Vermont announced that six Vermont organizations will receive more than $54,000 in 2021 Community Challenge grants – part of the largest group of grantees to date with $3.2 million awarded among 244 organizations nationwide. Grantees will implement quick-action projects to promote livable communities by improving housing, transportation, public spaces and encourage civic engagement.

“We are incredibly proud to collaborate with these organizations as they work to make immediate improvements in their communities, encourage promising ideas and jumpstart long-term change, especially for those age 50 and over,” shared Greg Marchildon, AARP Vermont state director. “Our goal at AARP Vermont is to support the efforts of our communities to be great places for people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities.” There were 67 applicants for grants this year.

All projects are expected to be completed by November 10, 2021.

Grantees:

Vermont Community Garden Network - $2,990

Building and expanding gardens in two communities and providing gardening workshops.

Northfield Common Connections - $18,000

Infrastructure improvements to enhance pedestrian access and safety in village center.

Town of Wolcott - $11,795

Creating a village green in front of the library – includes lighting, seating, games and signage.

Vermont New American Advisory Council - $5,000

Advocacy training and mentorship for New Americans in Burlington.

Vermont River Conservancy - $11,710

Park and trail improvements to increase accessibility and safety at North Branch Cascades.

Find Your Wings, Middlebury - $5,000

Pop-up art installations throughout Middlebury through community engagement activities with various partners.

The Community Challenge 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.

View the full list of grantees and their project descriptions at www.aarp.org/communitychallenge and learn more about AARP’s livable communities work at www.aarp.org/livable.