Learn about housing and care considerations to assess options, understand costs, and keep your loved one safe.

Content starts here

AARP Commits $127,260 to Strengthen 11 Communities Across Alaska

Grants aims to help residents of all ages improve how they live, move, and stay connected

Katherine Severin,

AARP Alaska

Published June 24, 2026

Hage Photo for AARP Alaska

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA—AARP today announced 11 organizations throughout Alaska will receive 2026 Community Challenge grants. Marking the program’s 10th anniversary, the grants are part of an $8.3 million commitment by AARP, doubling last year’s total, to fund 750 quick-action projects nationwide aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, especially older adults. The funds will support improvements to public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connectivity, disaster preparedness, and other local priorities that help improve social connections and strengthen neighborhoods and towns of all sizes.

“Across Alaska, especially in rural areas, no one understands the local challenges and opportunities better than the communities themselves,” said Katie Severin, AARP Alaska Communications Director. “Community Challenge grants put that knowledge into action by supporting quick, community-led projects that create immediate impact and lasting change.”

More Ways to Benefit

View All

Related Benefit 1
Related Benefit 2
Related Benefit 3
Related Benefit 4
Related Benefit 5

Since 2017, the AARP Community Challenge has awarded $508,007 through 45 grants in Alaska to nonprofit organizations and local government entities across the state. Grant projects will be funded in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Most Popular

Projects across Alaska reflect growing demand for practical, local solutions that help residents stay connected, safe and independent, including:

Bike Anchorage – Conduct bike audits near civic facilities along reconstruction corridors, informing safer bike and pedestrian features in future designs.
City of Whittier, Parks and Recreation Committee – Transform three shoreline pull-offs into accessible pocket parks with seating and a kayak rack, creating safer waterfront access and places to rest.
Homer Cycling Club – Stabilize a muddy trail section near a trailhead to restore safe access to connected walking paths.
Iñupiat Community of the Arctic Slope (ICAS) – Distribute emergency sanitation kits and preparedness information to households, strengthening resilience during utility outages and storms.
Sitka Trail Works – Improve trail surfaces, steps, and drainage along a scenic loop route to reduce fall risk and ensure safer outdoor access.
Skagway Recreation Center – Install new bus stops, seating, and automated entry doors to improve access to town facilities and reduce mobility barriers.
Statewide Independent Living Council of Alaska – Build and demonstrate a modular ADA ramp, sharing practical accessibility solutions and helping prevent falls.
Talkeetna Skatepark Committee – Create an accessible gathering space with seating and walkways near the skatepark, encouraging activity and intergenerational connection.
The Alaska Community Foundation / Chugach Park Fund – Enhance a popular park loop by improving drainage, structures, and reroutes, increasing safety and comfort for trail users.
The Native Village of Barrow – Lead walk audits to identify unsafe walkways, with Elders guiding priorities for repairs and future coordination.
The Native Village of Eyak – Build a community greenhouse with accessible beds and pathways for tribal Elders, expanding access to fresh food and strengthening social connections.

Previous Community Challenge grants have delivered long-term impact in Alaska. In 2025, a Community Challenge grant helped the Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation add new benches, picnic tables, and bike racks to local parks, schools, and senior centers, creating community gathering places and encouraging physical activity. A Community Challenge grant in 2023 funded three new bocce courts and several water refill stations for Special Olympics Alaska, expanding access to recreation and increasing opportunities for athletes.

“America is aging, and most older adults want to stay in the communities they know and love. There are a lot of things that localities can do to support residents of all ages,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP, Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer. “AARP Community Challenge grants help transform local ideas into real improvements— from safer sidewalks and improved transportation options to public spaces that bring neighbors together and enhance community connections. As we celebrate the program’s 10th year, we’re proud to double our investment so even more communities can become great places to live for people at all stages of life.”

View the full list of grantees and their projects at aarp.org/communitychallenge. Learn more about AARP’s work to support livable communities at aarp.org/livable.

# # #

About AARP

AARP Membership

Join AARP for only $15 per year with automatic renewal. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of benefits, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP The Magazine.

Join