AARP Vermont Announces Grant Opportunity for Quick-Action Community Improvement Projects

We know that it takes time to build great communities. But we also believe that tangible improvements can spark long-term change. AARP launched the Community Challenge in 2017 to fund projects that build momentum to improve livability nationwide. We are excited to announce the program is back in 2023 for its seventh year and is currently accepting applications online through March 15, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. ET.

The AARP Community Challenge’s focus on tangible projects, community engagement and its quick-action timeline helps selected grantees fast-track ideas and replicate promising practices. Previous projects have demonstrated an ability to garner additional funds or support from public and private funders, encourage innovation, overcome local policy barriers and receive greater overall awareness and engagement.

The grant program is open to 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(6) nonprofits and government entities. Grants can range from several hundred dollars for small, short-term activities to several thousand or tens of thousands for larger projects. In 2023, the AARP Community Challenge is accepting applications across three different grant opportunities, two of which are new this year. 

• Flagship Grants
  This is AARP’s traditional, flagship Community Challenge grant program where grants have ranged from several hundred dollars for smaller, short-term activities to tens of thousands of dollars for larger projects. These grants will support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; diversity, equity and inclusion; digital connections; community resilience; civic engagement; and community health and economic empowerment.

• NEW in 2023! Capacity-Building Microgrants
  These $2,500 grants are combined with additional valuable resources, such as webinars, cohort learning opportunities, up to two hours of one-on-one coaching from America Walks or 880 Cities, and AARP publications. This new grant opportunity will accept applications for projects that support Walkability using the AARP Walk Audit Tool Kit and Community Gardens using the AARP publication Creating Community Gardens for All Ages.

• NEW in 2023! Demonstration Grants
  Supporting demonstration efforts that encourage replication of promising local efforts, this new grant opportunity will accept applications for projects that build capacity towards transportation systems change and accessory dwelling unit (ADU) design competitions.

“We are thrilled to open the AARP Community Challenge grant program once again and we encourage all eligible organizations to apply,” said Associate State Director Kelly Stoddard Poor. “Past grantees have made tangible improvements that spark long-term change in communities across Vermont.”

Since 2017, the AARP Community Challenge has funded over 1,060 projects nationwide, including 23 projects right here in Vermont. This year, AARP Vermont is hosting a webinar on Thursday, February 9th between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m . Eastern, RSVP today. This webinar will describe the 2023 Community Challenge grant program, explain the application process, highlight the work of a few past grantees who jump-started long-term changes in their communities, answer applicant questions, and share a new offering we are providing for eligible small non-profits in the form of grant writing coaches to help with the application process.  Join us to learn more about receiving assistance from our Grant Writing Coaches.

The AARP Community Challenge grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and counties across the country to become great places to live for people of all ages. We believe that communities should provide residents of all ages, (especially people 50 and older) with safe, walkable streets; affordable and accessible housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities to participate in community life.

The application deadline for the 2023 grant cycle is March 15, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. ET. All projects must be completed by November 30, 2023.

To submit an application and 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.