AARP Hearing Center
The AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to fund quick-action projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages. For the seventh annual AARP Community Challenge, AARP received more than 3,600 applications from nonprofits and government entities, resulting in a highly competitive selection process.
Some $3.6 million is being distributed to fund 310 quick-action projects across the country, helping urban, rural and suburban communities make immediate improvements and jumpstart long-term progress to support residents of all ages.
In 2023, the AARP Community Challenge funded projects across three different grant opportunities in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
1. Flagship Grants
The flagship AARP Community Challenge grants have ranged from several hundred dollars for smaller, short-term activities to tens of thousands of dollars for larger projects. Since 2017, AARP has funded projects ranging from $500 to $50,000 with an average grant amount of $11,900 (83 percent of grants have been under $20,000.) AARP reserves the right to award compelling projects of any dollar amount. In 2023, we accepted applications for community improvement projects — such as those related to public places, digital connections, housing, and transportation — that benefit residents, especially those age 50 and older.
2. Capacity-Building Microgrants
By combining $2,500 grants with additional resources — such as webinars, AARP Livable Communities publications, one-on-one coaching with leading national organizations — this grant opportunity benefits residents (especially those age 50 or older) in the following categories:
- Walkability: Implement a walk audit to assess and enhance the safety and walkability of a street or neighborhood with support from America Walks, using the AARP Walk Audit Tool Kit.
- Community Gardens: Start or enhance a community garden with support from 880 Cities, using the AARP publication Creating Community Gardens for People of All Ages.
3. Demonstration Grants
By supporting demonstration efforts that encourage the replication of promising local efforts, this new grant opportunity benefits residents (especially those age 50 and older) by:
- Advancing solutions that build capacity toward Transportation Systems Change. This grant opportunity of approximately $30,000 to $50,000 per project is sponsored by Toyota Motor North America.
- Implementing Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Design Competitions that increase public understanding of this housing option and encourage the creation of ADU-supportive policies. This grant opportunity will provide approximately $10,000 to $15,000 per project.
Page published January 18, 2023. Updated June 28, 2023
