AARP Wyoming Announces Challenge Grant to Improve Communities For All Ages

 

AARP Wyoming is now accepting applications for the 2019 Community Challenge grant program to fund “quick-action” projects that spark change in local communities.The grant program, which is now in its third 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 accept applications in the following categories for 2019:

• Demonstrate the tangible value of “Smart Cities.” This new category in 2019 will encourage communities to develop and implement innovative programs that engage residents in accessing, understanding, and using data to increase quality of life for all.  The intention with this category is to encourage applicants to demonstrate new ways to engage in decision-making about housing, transportation, economic development, placemaking, infrastructure, or other community aspect.
• Deliver a range of transportation and connectivity options in the community through permanent or temporary solutions that increase walkability, bikeability, wayfinding, access to transportation options and roadway improvements
• Create vibrant public places in the community through permanent or temporary solutions that activate open spaces,  improve parks and improve access to amenities
• Support the availability of a range of housing in the community through permanent or temporary solutions that increase accessible and affordable housing options
• Other innovative projects to improve the community.

“We’ve seen tangible results here in Wyoming from the AARP Community Challenge grant program,” says AARP Wyoming State Director, Sam Shumway. “There are tremendous opportunities to make our communities even better and we encourage all eligible organizations to apply.”

AARP has awarded 217 grants through the Community Challenge to nonprofit organizations and government entities representing every state and U.S. territories. Wyoming is no stranger to Community Challenge funding. Last year, AARP funded projects in Laramie and Rock Springs. In Laramie, a grant of $20,000 to fund a new fully accessible community garden to increase access to healthy food, multi-generational learning opportunities, and support a culture of health for all people living with mobility and disability challenges. In Rock Springs, a $5,000 grant has funded a mural to be prominently displayed in Downtown Rock Springs, which will depict the hard work and sacrifices of local miners and railroad workers.

In 2017, the AARP Community Challenge awarded 88 grants to communities representing every state and the District of Columbia. Two Wyoming communities – Casper and Jackson – were awarded Community Challenge Grants. Both communities used the quick action grants to fund transportation grants.

In Casper, the grant provided a safer and more convenient bus stop behind the city’s east side Albertsons at 2625 East Second Street. The bus stop offers a bench and shelter, while replacing a bus bench which was located on the north side of the Albertsons on Second Street. This bus stop location was identified in the recently-updated Casper Senior Services survey.

In Jackson, a similar bus stop was replaced in an area which is cluttered with weeds, a broken down vehicle and other trash in an underserved area of the community. A bench was placed on the site and age-friendly signage entices low-income seniors, disabled individuals, and young families to use the bus system.

The application deadline is Wednesday, April 17, 2019, 11:59 p.m. ET, and all projects must be completed by Monday, November 4, 2019. Applications must be submitted through AARP.org/CommunityChallenge .              

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with a membership of nearly 38 million. It helps people turn their goals and dreams into Real Possibilities by changing the way America defines aging. With staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and promote the issues that matter most to families, such as health-care security, financial security and personal fulfillment. AARP also advocates for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world’s largest circulation magazine, AARP The Magazine, and AARP Bulletin. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. To learn more, visit www.AARP.org or follow @aarp and our CEO @JoAnn_Jenkins on Twitter.