AARP WV Announces 2020 Community Challenge Grant Program

AARP is now accepting applications for the 2020 Community Challenge grant program to fund “quick-action” projects that spark change in local communities. The grant program, which is now in its fourth year, is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which aims to make communities great places to live for everyone.

The Community Challenge is open to 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(6) nonprofits and government entities. Other types of organizations will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Grants can range from several hundred dollars for small, short-term activities to several thousand for larger projects. The program will prioritize projects that aim to achieve the following outcomes in 2020:

• Increase civic engagement with innovative and tangible projects. This new category in 2020 encourages communities to bring residents and local leaders together to address challenges and facilitate a greater sense of community inclusion and diversity.

• Create vibrant public places that improve open spaces, parks and access to other amenities.

• Deliver a range of transportation and mobility options in the community that increase connectivity, walkability, bikeability, wayfinding, access to transportation options and roadway improvements.

• Support the availability of a range of housing that increase accessible and affordable housing options.

• Demonstrate the tangible value of “Smart Cities” with programs that engage residents in accessing, understanding and using data, and participating in decision-making to increase quality of life.

• Other community improvements. In addition to the five areas of focus, AARP wants to hear about local needs and new, innovative ideas for addressing them.

Since 2017, AARP has awarded 376 grants totaling nearly $3.7 million through the Community Challenge to nonprofit organizations and government entities representing every state and U.S. territory, including West Virginia community projects in Kanawha, Lincoln, Monongalia, Preston, Putnam and Summers counties. The application deadline is Wednesday, April 1, 2020, 11:59 p.m. ET, and all projects must be completed by Monday, November 9, 2020. To submit applications, or for more information on the program, visit www.aarp.org/CommunityChallenge.

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AARP WV Media Contact: Tom Hunter, 304.340.4605, tphunter@aarp.org