AARP Virgin Islands Opens Applications for Quick-Action Community Improvement Grants

AARP Virgin Islands invites local eligible non-profit organizations and governments across the Territory to apply for the 2025 AARP Community Challenge grant program, now through March 5, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. AARP Community Challenge grants fund quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and more. Now in its ninth 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.

In 2025, the AARP Community Challenge is accepting applications across three different grant opportunities, including flagship grants, capacity-building microgrants, and demonstration grants.

· Capacity-building microgrants are paired with additional resources, such as one-on-one coaching from national nonprofit organizations, webinars, cohort learning opportunities and more for improving walkability, installing bike paths; implementing safe, accessible home modifications; and disaster preparedness training.

· Demonstration grants fund projects that encourage replication of exemplary local efforts. This year’s focus is on improving pedestrian safety with funding support from Toyota Motor North America; expanding high-speed internet access and adoption with funding support from Microsoft; reconnecting communities divided by infrastructure; and implementing housing choice design competitions.

 · Flagship grants support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; and community resilience.

 Since 2017, AARP has invested $20.1 million toward 1,700 projects in nonprofit organizations, and government entities across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands through the Community Challenge. The program aims to provide support to all community types, including rural, suburban and urban communities with a special focus on the needs of those 50 and older.

 AARP Virgin Islands works in collaboration with communities across the territory, bringing people together, and providing resources and expertise to help make the Virgin Islands a great place to live for people of all ages. Past local awardees have included the VI Trail Alliance, VI Housing Authority, VI Surfing Federation and the St Croix Orchid Society.

 The Community Challenge is open to eligible 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Grants can range from several hundred dollars for small, short-term activities to tens of thousands for larger projects.
The application deadline is 5:00 p.m. Eastern, March 5, 2025.

All projects must be completed by December 15, 2025. To submit an application and view past grantees, visit AARP.org/CommunityChallenge.