AARP Hearing Center
CLOSE
Search
Popular Searches
Suggested Links
Flexible Work
AARP Skills Builder
Flexible Work
ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Drug Prices
Social Security
Medicare & Medicaid
Caregiving
LONG-TERM CARE
State Guides
Prepare to Care Guides
End of Life
Home Technology
Get Happier
POSSIBILITIES OF AI
Leaving AARP.org Website
You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.
Get Money to Help Your Community Become a Better Place to Live
Do you have an idea for a project that will help your neighborhood become more livable by improving public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and more. Now in its tenth year, the program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for all residents, especially those age 50 and older.
Put your idea into words and submit a proposal for money that could make your idea a reality. The application period for the AARP Livable Communities 2026 Community Challenge Grant program opens in January and runs through March 4.
Last year, four Hawaiʻi organizations received $70,000 in grants on Oahu, Kauaʻi and Maui. The projects included improving softball fields on Kauaʻi; planting fruit trees and creating an intergenerational gathering place on Maui and improving services for veterans on Oahu.
This year, the AARP Community Challenge is accepting applications across three different grant opportunities. All projects must be consistent with AARP’s mission to serve the needs of people 50 and older along with other eligibility criteria.
- Capacity-building microgrants are paired with additional resources, such as one-on-one coaching from national nonprofit organizations, webinars, cohort learning opportunities and more for improving walkability, bikeability; implementing safe, accessible home modifications; and disaster preparedness training.
- Demonstration grants fund projects that encourage replication of exemplary local efforts. This year’s focus is on improving pedestrian safety with funding support from Toyota Motor North America; expanding high-speed internet access and adoption with funding support from Microsoft; reconnecting communities divided by infrastructure; and implementing housing choice design competitions.
· Flagship grants support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; and community resilience.
“AARP is committed to creating communities where people of all ages and abilities can thrive,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer. “The Community Challenge helps cities, towns and counties get things started with small improvements that can kick-start meaningful changes that improve people’s lives and strengthens the places they call home.”
The Community Challenge is open to eligible 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Grants can range from several hundred dollars for small, short-term activities to tens of thousands for larger projects.
The application deadline is noon Hawai`i time on March 4. All projects must be completed by December 15, 2026. To apply and view past grantees, visit www.AARP.org/CommunityChallenge.
More From AARP