AARP Hearing Center
Austin Henderson
AARP is proud to announce the 10-year anniversary of the AARP Community Challenge a decade-long effort to accelerate community improvements through quick-action grants. To mark this milestone – and in response to high demand – AARP has doubled the size of the program in 2026, supporting more communities and more high-impact local projects than ever before.
In 2026, AARP is awarding $8.3 million in quick-action grants to 750 projects across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
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The AARP Community Challenge supports innovative projects that create immediate change while paving the way for long-term improvements. Grants focus on priority areas including public places, housing, transportation, digital connectivity, and more.
Additional 2026 program funders include:
- Toyota Motor North America, supporting pedestrian safety initiatives to improve streets and sidewalks nationwide.
- Microsoft, funding digital connections projects that expand high-speed internet access and promote broadband adoption.
Here in Florida, AARP is thrilled to support 24 projects that are helping to create great places for people of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities. As local leaders work to create more livable communities, these grants provide essential support – especially in areas where small, flexible investments can lead to big change.
The 2026 program includes three grant types:
- Flagship Grants
- Capacity-Building Microgrants
- Demonstration Grants
2026 Grantees in Florida Include:
Central Florida:
- College Park Main Street, Orlando, Fla. – Two curb-level parklets will replace on-street parking with accessible seating and buffers for pedestrians. These spaces will give people a place to rest and make it easier to walk and connect downtown.
- City of Longwood Public Works Department, Longwood, Fla. – A busy residential street will receive high-visibility crosswalks, curb ramps, and pedestrian signage. These improvements will improve pedestrian safety for residents of all ages.
- Helping Seniors of Brevard, Melbourne, Fla. – A technology library and classroom will be set up in an existing facility used by older adults. Ongoing classes will help participants learn how to use digital tools for everyday tasks and services.
- Senior Resource Alliance Area Agency, Orlando, Fla. – Adults with dementia and their caregivers will have access to coordinated transportation for care and medical visits. Dependable rides will cut down on missed appointments and reduce caregiver stress.
- St Cloud Main Street, St. Cloud, Fla. – Artistic signage and custom bike racks will link downtown streets to the lakefront. These clear, easy-to-follow cues will make walking and biking safer for residents of all ages.
- United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties, Bushnell, Fla. – Disaster preparedness training will support older veterans in rural areas. Participants will receive radios and emergency kits to receive alerts and stay prepared.
- City of Lake Helen, Lake Helen, Fla. – Walk audits analyze where crosswalk signs and street striping need improvement in key city corridors. These recommendations improve pedestrian safety and support future funding efforts.
Jacksonville:
- Fernandina Beach Main Street, Fernandina Beach, Fla. - Downtown businesses will receive guidance and tools to improve accessibility and improve pedestrian navigation. These practical changes will help older adults move comfortably while supporting local commerce.
- Pillars Home Beautification and Maintenance Inc., Jacksonville, Fla. – Volunteers and community partners will take on key home repairs and yard improvements for ten households during a day of service. These improvements will help residents stay safe and continue living independently.
- Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Council (SPAR), Jacksonville, Fla. – An underused outdoor area will become a community garden with raised beds and accessible seating options. It will give older adults a fun way to stay active, learn, and connect with others.
- Timucuan Parks Foundation Inc., Jacksonville, Fla. – Castaway Island Preserve, a local nature park, will be updated with accessibility improvements including entry kiosks, benches, and clearer wayfinding signage. These upgrades will help older adults enjoy the space for walking, resting, and overall wellness.
Lakeland:
- City of Lakeland, Lakeland, Fla. – The city will improve pedestrian safety along a busy boulevard by installing crosswalk signage, pavement striping and a speed table. These upgrades will create a safer, more walkable connection between nearby housing and activity centers.
- Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE), Lakeland, Fla.– Skilled volunteers will help build entry ramps and other accessibility features for older adults with mobility challenges. These safer entrances may lower the risk of falls and make it easier for residents to age in place.
Northwest Florida:
- Divine Revelations Ministries Inc., Tallahassee, Fla. – Youth will interview older residents and create a “Story Bench” with QR codes in a neighborhood park. Residents will be able to stop, listen to local stories, and connect across generations while helping preserve community history.
- Florida Housing Coalition, Tallahassee, Fla. – A statewide gallery will highlight adaptable, small-scale housing ideas designed for older adults. One community will receive support to put one design into action on a real site.
- Town of Century, Century, Fla. – Several walk audits will look at sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and lighting along key town corridors. Community meetings will share the results and help guide improvements.
South Florida:
- City of South Miami, Miami, Fla. – Walk audits will review city corridors to better understand how they work for older residents. The findings will be shared at community meetings to help shape future transportation plans.
- Our Community Cares, Palm Beach, Fla. – Volunteer drivers will offer free rides and in-person help for errands and appointments.
- Transit Alliance Miami, Hialeah, Fla. – Regular, guided neighborhood walks will educate residents in street conditions and walking safety. Residents will share their feedback and help shape safer routes in the city.
Tampa Bay:
- Florida Home Partnership Inc., Ruskin, Fla. – Safety upgrades will be made in 30 homes for older adults including grab bars, railings, and improved lighting. These updates will help reduce fall risks and make it easier for people to age in place.
- Friends of Trails Crossing, St. Petersburg, Fla. – Three bike audits will review safe access along the Pinellas Trail for older riders. Learnings will help shape future improvements to support mobility and independence.
- The City of Gulfport, Gulfport, Fla. – The Discover Gulfport Walking Trail system will receive clear signage and accessibility features along nine miles of routes. This includes direction signs, trail names, map boards, QR codes for digital maps, and handrails where they’re needed most.
- University of Florida Department of Occupational Therapy, Gainesville, Fla. – Older adults and their caregivers will receive home safety education and assessments, with an emphasis on dementia-friendly approaches. Tailored guidance will help build confidence and make daily routines safer.
The AARP Community Challenge is part of AARP’s broader Livable Communities initiative, which supports neighborhoods, towns, cities, and counties in becoming great places for all residents. A livable community is one where people of all ages can thrive, with:
- Safe, walkable streets
- Affordable and accessible housing and transportation
- Access to essential services
- Opportunities for people of all ages to engage in community life
To learn more about the AARP Community Challenge – here in Florida and nationwide – visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge. You can also explore the AARP Livable Communities Map, an interactive tool featuring AARP Community Challenge grantees and members of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.
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