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AARP Alabama Announces 2026 Community Challenge Grantees

10th year of program brings new investments to help make communities more livable for all ages

Jamie Harding,

AARP Alabama

Published June 26, 2026

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AARP Alabama is proud to announce the 2026 recipients of the AARP Community Challenge grant program, marking a milestone 10th year of investment in quick-action projects that improve quality of life across the state. This year, 14 communities and organizations in Alabama will receive a combined total of more than $172,000 to support projects that make neighborhoods safer, more vibrant, and more accessible for people of all ages.

These grants will fund a wide range of community improvements, from enhancing walkability and public safety features to expanding access to outdoor spaces and community gathering areas. Each funded project is designed to deliver visible results within months, demonstrating how small-scale investments can create meaningful change.

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A Decade of Impact

Since its launch in 2017, the AARP Community Challenge has invested $36.2 million nationwide in more than 2,800 quick-action projects that create more livable communities. This year, AARP will award $8.3 million nationwide, more than double the amount awarded in 2025.

Here in Alabama, AARP has awarded more than $604,000 over the past decade, supporting projects that improve safety, accessibility, and community connection across the state.

“AARP Community Challenge grants empower local leaders and organizations to take action and create positive change where they live,” said AARP Alabama State Director Candi Williams. “As we celebrate 10 years of this program, we’re especially proud of the lasting impact these projects have had in communities across our state.”

Meet the 2026 Alabama Grantees

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The following Alabama communities and organizations have been selected for 2026 funding:

Huntsville Botanical Garden (Huntsville) — Will install shaded bench structures at tram stops throughout the garden, improving comfort, rest opportunities, and safe navigation.
Jasper Main Street (Jasper) — Will upgrade a historic community trolley with accessibility features such as a lift and added safety elements, offering free rides to improve mobility and downtown access.
Infinite Living Program / Infinite Opportunities (Citronelle) — Will create a safe, accessible walking trail with benches to support low-impact exercise and reduce isolation for older residents.
City of Madison (Madison) — Will replace 77 damaged sidewalk warning mats at busy crossings to reduce tripping hazards and improve safety for people using mobility aids.
Montgomery County Commission (Montgomery) — Will conduct park walk audits to evaluate safety and accessibility for residents age 50-plus, guiding future age-friendly improvements.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens (Birmingham) — Will construct an asphalt accessibility path connecting the Japanese Tea House to the broader garden network, improving mobility access, and reducing erosion.
Central Alabama Aging Consortium (Wetumpka) — Will host disaster preparedness sessions for older adults, providing supply kits and guidance to support safer decision-making during emergencies.
Museum of Black Joy (Boykin) — Will install shaded pavilions, water access, and edible plantings along a walkable corridor to support cooling, gathering, and light outdoor activity.
City of Montgomery (Montgomery) — Will construct an ADA-accessible riverfront stage with seating, lighting, and wayfinding to support live music and community events.
City of Ashville Parks & Recreation (Ashville) — Will install an outdoor ADA-accessible fitness area near a walking loop to promote strength, balance, and physical activity.
Lillian Recreational Park (Lillian) — Will expand broadband access and offer digital literacy classes in a park setting to support online connectivity and lifelong learning.
Marengo County Foster Parent Association (Linden) — Will lead disaster preparedness training and host a resilience fair, equipping residents with emergency supplies and practical guidance.
City of Prichard (Prichard) — Will create a shaded, ADA-accessible outdoor gathering area with seating, water access, and durable surfaces to reduce heat risk and encourage social connection.
City of Anniston (Anniston) — Will build 1.2 miles of new trails and upgrade existing paths with ramps, handrails, benches, and signage to support safe walking and exploration.

Looking Ahead

As AARP Alabama celebrates a decade of Community Challenge success, the organization remains committed to investing in practical, community-driven solutions. The program continues to demonstrate that when communities are equipped with resources, meaningful change can happen quickly and benefit residents of all ages.

To learn more about the AARP Community Challenge and livable communities initiatives, visit aarp.org/livable.

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