Georgia Communities, Organizations Earn Community Challenge Grants

AARP recently announced nine organizations throughout Georgia that will receive 2025 Community Challenge grants. The grants are part of AARP’s $4.2 million commitment to fund 383 quick-action projects aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, focusing on the needs of older adults. The funds will support efforts to improve public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and other key areas.

Now in its ninth year, the Challenge has awarded $548,217 through 49 grants in Georgia to nonprofit organizations and local government entities. Grant projects are funded in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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“AARP Georgia is proud to work with communities across the state to help make them more livable for people of all ages,” said AARP Georgia State Director, Vanessa J. Payne. “These projects are about turning great local ideas into real improvements that make everyday life better, especially for older Georgians.”

Georgia’s funded projects include:

• Macon-Bibb County Transit Authority - This project will transform a vacant lot near public transit into Spirit of Macon Park, enhancing accessibility for older adults and others and offering wellness programs.
• 360 Albany Garden Expansion - To provide raised garden beds, accessible seating, and digital literacy workshops for older adults in Albany, GA.
• City of Milner - This project will revitalize Milner's city park by adding an ADA-compliant shaded pavilion with tables and benches, and improved lighting.
• Walker County Government - Walker County will add a public charging and internet hotspot station at Adventure Acres Park.
• Harold S. Swindle Public Library, Nicholson, Georgia - The Nicholson Veteran Wall of Honor will digitize photos and information about veterans for future generations.
• Atlanta Department of City Planning - This project will archive older adult oral histories from Atlanta’s Black neighborhoods, sharing stories through workshops, recordings, and public exhibits to educate and connect communities, inspiring inclusive infrastructure that unites divided areas.
• Eastman, Georgia - Eastman will install sidewalks and crosswalks on Pearl Bates Avenue to improve pedestrian safety for students and residents.
• City of South Fulton, Facts to Thrive - This project will improve homes providing accessibility and safety products for older adults with mobility impairments.
• Crown of Life Foundation, Box Springs, Georgia - This project will conduct three disaster preparedness workshops and provide preparedness kits and training for residents 50 years and older in west central Georgia.