AARP Vermont Accepting 2023 Winter Placemaking Grant Applications

AARP Vermont invites local eligible organizations and communities across the state to apply for the 2023 AARP Vermont Winter Placemaking grant program, now through October 16 at 5:00 p.m. The grants fund quick-action projects that initiate winter placemaking demonstrations focused on creating or reinventing public spaces to improve safety, accessibility, and overall appeal. Now in its fourth year, the 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 all residents, especially those age 50 and older.

Vermont’s cold and dark winter months pose several challenges for residents across the state, one of which is social isolation. The Winter Placemaking grant program focuses on helping communities embrace the winter months by reinventing public spaces to encourage outdoor activities and social engagement.

“AARP Vermont is committed to helping communities across the state become great places to live for people of all ages with an emphasis on people age 50 and older,” said AARP Vermont Associate State Director of Outreach, Kelly Stoddard Poor. “These Winter Placemaking grants have proven that quick-action projects can lead to long-lasting improvements enhancing Vermonters’ quality of life.”

Previous Winter Placemaking grants have led to impressive results with nearly half of grantees leveraging their projects into additional funding support from private and public sector partners.

Assistance with grant writing is available from AARP Vermont volunteers if needed, and can be accessed through Kelly Stoddard Poor kstoddardpoor@aarp.org. Since 2020, AARP Vermont has awarded more than $60,000 to over 12 projects through the Winter Placemaking grant program to communities across the state.

The application deadline is 5:00 p.m. Eastern, October 16, 2023. To submit an application, visit https://livabilityvt.secure-platform.com/a