AARP investing $73,327 in Vermont communities as part of nationwide grant program

AARP is excited to announce the largest investment of grant dollars to date through the AARP Community Challenge grant program which aims to make communities more livable for people of all ages, with a focus on people age 50+. 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 AARP Community Challenge funds innovative projects that inspire change in areas such as public places; housing; transportation; and more. In 2025, AARP is increasing its investment in rural communities, with 45% of the projects focused on these places. This marks our most substantial investment in rural grantmaking to date.

Toyota Motor North America is providing additional funding for pedestrian safety projects to improve streets and sidewalks nationwide. Microsoft is also contributing additional funding for digital connections projects aimed at expanding high-speed internet (broadband) access and adoption.

AARP Vermont is incredibly proud to have seven projects granted right here in our state. 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 Vermont, these exciting projects were funded:

• Cornwall Outdoor Recreation Area (CORA) Committee (Cornwall): Cornwall will create an ADA-compliant walking path in a new recreation area, providing direct access to amenities like benches, exercise stations, pickleball/tennis courts, a picnic pavilion, and a pollinator garden. This project aims to benefit all residents, especially older adults and those with mobility challenges.
  
• Jericho Bicycle and Pedestrian Connectivity Committee (Jericho): This project will install a pedestrian lane along Raceway Road to connect homes, an independent living facility, and essential amenities. Protective bollards will delineate the path, enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists in the neighborhood.
  
• Montpelier Alive (Montpelier): Montpelier Alive will illuminate the North Branch Pedestrian Bridge to enhance safety and access to the Siboinebi recreational path. This project aims to create a vibrant public space, benefiting residents, especially older adults, by improving evening accessibility and security.
  
• Slate Valley Trails (Poultney): The Poultney River Loop will receive new maps, kiosks, wayfinding posts, and blazes to enhance navigability. These improvements will increase access for older adults and individuals with vision impairments, ensuring a safer and more inclusive trail experience.
  
• Town of Lyndon (Lyndon): The project will enhance Bandstand Park by adding a pollinator garden, a vine trellis, and six wheelchair-accessible picnic tables. This will improve accessibility, provide comfortable seating for community events, and create an intergenerational natural space.
  
• Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports (Rutland): The project will conduct bike audits throughout Vermont, building on the accessible bike trail initiative. Older volunteers will assess the safety, accessibility, and usability of bike paths. At least three audits will be conducted. The project will also host two meetings with residents and officials to discuss findings and future improvements.
  
• Walk+Bike+Roll Randolph (Randolph): This project will enhance pedestrian safety at key downtown crosswalks in Randolph by installing a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) and safety flags. These improvements will benefit residents, including those in senior housing, by providing safer access to local businesses and services.

The AARP 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 of all ages to participate in community life.

To learn more about the work being funded by the AARP Community Challenge both here in Vermont 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 AARP Community Challenge grantees and members in the Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.