AARP is Investing $47,500 in the US Virgin Islands 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 Virgin Islands is incredibly proud to have four projects granted right here in our territory. 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 the US Virgin Islands, these exciting projects were funded:

· St. Croix Foundation: The St. Croix Intergenerational Community Garden & Wellness Space will develop plans for an accessible green space at Sunday Market Square. This project aims to foster resilience, food security, and healthy aging by creating a welcoming environment for older adults and families.

· The St. John Heritage Collective: St. Ursula's Mission will upgrade its kitchen, damaged by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, to support St. John Meals on Wheels and aid disaster recovery. Improvements will enhance health standards and electrical capacity, ensuring ongoing service for older adults and vulnerable populations.

· The Tradewind Foundation: The Tradewind Foundation will implement disaster preparedness training for residents age 50 and older in St. Croix. Using the AARP Disaster Resilience Tool Kit, the initiative will offer workshops, resources, and emergency response training. Participants will learn evacuation procedures, emergency planning, and communication strategies.

· Virgin Islands Youth Advocacy Coalition, Inc.: The Virgin Islands Youth Advocacy Coalition, Inc.'s Digital Bridge Initiative is a six-month program enhancing digital literacy for older adults in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Trained high schoolers will teach smartphone use, online safety, cloud storage, telehealth, and key services, promoting independence and reducing social isolation.

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 the US Virgin Islands 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.