AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities
2026 AARP Community Challenge
2026 AARP Community Challenge Grantees
Now in its 10th year, AARP’s grant program for quick-action livability projects is investing a record $8.3 million across more than 700 communities nationwide
By funding innovative, quick-action projects that spark change and build momentum, the AARP Community Challenge helps towns, cities and neighborhoods become more livable for people of all ages, especially adults age 50 or older.
This year, the AARP Community Challenge is awarding 750 grants, its largest number ever, doubling the scale of the program in 2026.
Since its launch in 2017, the AARP Community Challenge has funded more than 2,800 grants, investing $32.6 million in 55,000 tangible improvements — such as park benches, crosswalks, bike racks — and more than 12,000 community-based programs, including digital skills training and transit education for older adults.
The grants help to improve public places, housing, transportation, digital connectivity and disaster resilience in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Demonstrated Impact
Past grantees have shown strong long-term impact:
- 50% of grantees say the grant helped them secure additional funding
- 88% of grantees say the grant helped to overcome policy or financial barriers
- 100% of grantees say the grant led to increased community engagement
2026 Grant Opportunities
In 2026, the AARP Community Challenge accepted applications for three grant opportunities:
1. Flagship Grants
Communities could apply for funding in support of local improvement projects, such as those related to public places, housing, transportation, digital connections and disaster resilience.
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2026 AARP Community Challenge Flagship Grantees
2. Demonstration Grants
Applications were accepted in the following categories and community-improving efforts:
- Pedestrian Safety: Implement a project to improve the safety of streets and sidewalks. Funding support provided by Toyota Motor North America.
- High-Speed Internet: Implement a project to increase broadband access and adoption. Funding support provided by Microsoft.
- Housing Design Competitions: Use the AARP Housing Design Competition Tool Kit to promote the understanding and implementation of housing policies that support a variety of community needs.
2026 AARP Community Challenge Demonstration Grant Grantees
3. Capacity-Building Microgrants
The AARP Community Challenge Capacity-Building Microgrants combine $2,500 grants with additional resources, such as webinars, cohort learning opportunities, AARP publications, and up to two hours of direct coaching with leading national nonprofit organizations. In 2026, this grant opportunity accepted applications for projects that benefit residents — especially those age 50 and older — in the following categories:
- Walk Audits: Conduct walkability assessments using the AARP Walk Audit Tool Kit with support from America Walks.
- Bike Audits: Conduct bikeability assessments using the AARP Bike Audit Tool Kit with support from The League of American Bicyclists.
- HomeFit Modifications: Implement education, simple home modifications and accessible safety solutions to create and maintain “lifelong homes,” especially for people age 50 — plus, using the AARP HomeFit Guide with support from the RL Mace Universal Design Institute.
- Disaster Preparedness: Implement disaster preparedness training programs and resources for residents, especially those age 50 — plus, using the AARP Disaster Resilience Tool Kit with support from SBP.
2026 AARP Community Challenge Capacity-Building Microgrant Grantees
2026 AARP Community Challenge by the Numbers
Total Investment: $8.3 million
Total Investment in Rural Communities: $3.7 million
Total Grantees: 750
Applications Received: 5,100
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