Are you ready for retirement? Take this quiz to test your smarts and help secure your financial future.

Content starts here

AARP Commits $107,000 to Strengthen 13 Communities Across Connecticut

Grants aim to help residents of all ages, especially older adults, improve how they live, move, and stay connected in their neighborhoods through innovative local projects

AARP

Published June 24, 2026

Couple shopping for produce at farmers market

Getty Images

AARP today announced that 13 organizations throughout Connecticut 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.

“Here in Connecticut, we know our population is aging, and most older adults want to remain in the communities they know and love,” said Nora Duncan, State Director of AARP Connecticut. “Through initiatives like the AARP Community Challenge, we’re helping turn local ideas into real improvements - from safer streets and better transportation options to public spaces that strengthen community connections. As the program continues to grow, we’re proud to support more Connecticut communities in becoming great places to live for people of all ages.”

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 $434,450 through 45 grants in Connecticut 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 Connecticut reflect growing demand for practical, local solutions that help residents stay connected, safe and independent, including:

Advocacy to Legacy, Inc.
With this project, community bike audits will take place at high-risk Hartford locations identified through injury and crash data. The audits will highlight safety concerns and guide updates that strengthen bike infrastructure and safer riding conditions.
City of Meriden Health & Human Services Department
Disaster preparedness sessions will teach older adults how to plan for local emergencies with participants receiving bilingual resources and basic emergency supplies.
East Windsor Senior Services
This project will support inclusive outdoor activities and comfortable social gatherings at the Senior Center through the installation of an accessible picnic table designed for shared seating.
Fairgate Farm
Fairgate Farm in Norwalk will upgrade key walkways and work areas across the Farm, reducing fall risk and allowing older volunteers to garden safely.
Farmington Land Trust
An aging fishing pier in Unionville will be replaced with a new accessible boardwalk and viewing platform, restoring safe river access for visitors with mobility needs.
First Congregational Church of West Haven
The project will reconstruct an outdated exterior ramp so the entrance to the meal site meets ADA compliancy standards and ensures safe and dignified access to food services.
Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust
This project in Woodbury will increase safety and comfort for events, programs and visitors by upgrading a heavily used dirt walkway with gravel, lighting and benches.
Historic Bacon Academy
The Historic Bacon Academy in Colchester will construct an ADA compliant entrance ramp at the civic building that will restore public access for people of all mobility levels. An ADA compliant entrance ramp will be constructed at a historic civic building. The addition will restore public access for people of all mobility levels.
Quinnipiac University
Quinnipiac University will host mutliple walking audits in New Haven to identify accessible loop routes around an apartment complex for older adults. The shared results will support resident walking groups and social engagement.
Town of Monroe
This project will expand outreach and training to strengthen participation in a local home safety program. Residents will receive products and guidance that support safer, age-friendly homes.
Saint Francis Hospital
This project in Hartford will develop community-informed housing designs through a partnership with local residents with the designs helping to guide future age-friendly and intergenerational housing.
Town of Sherman
This upgrade will help residents with hearing loss fully participate in town meetings and civic life through the installation of an assistive audio system in town meeting spaces.
Town of Simsbury
The Town of Simsbury will install portable ADA-compliant pathway mats at parks, trails and outdoor venues to provide stable access across grass, sand and uneven ground.

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.

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