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AARP is proud to announce the 10th anniversary of the AARP Community Challenge, a decade-long effort to accelerate community improvements through quick-action grants. To make this milestone – and in response to high demand – AARP has doubled the size of the program in 2026, enabling us to support more communities and more high-impact local projects than ever before.
In 2026, $8.3 million in quick-action grants will be awarded 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 Kansas, AARP is thrilled to support 11 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 Kansas Include:
- Urban League of Kansas - Group classes will teach computer basics, internet use, telehealth and online safety at community sites. Access to laptops and guided practice will help older adults use digital services more confidently and independently.
- City of Ottawa - The project will install new ADA-compliant sidewalks connecting parking areas to busy shelter houses in Forest Park. Safer walking routes will reduce fall risk and help people attend events and use the park with greater confidence.
- City of Hillsboro - The city will build five accessible outdoor pickleball courts with seating and lighting. These courts will offer a safe place for exercise, social play and shared recreation for people of all ages.
- Winfield Area Habitat for Humanity - The program will purchase modular ramps that volunteers can install quickly at individual homes. These can be quickly deployed following hospital discharge and allow residents to remain at home while long-term plans are arranged.
- City of Topeka - The city will provide hands-on technology classes at community sites with transportation and recorded sessions. Participants will practice every day digital tasks and receive tablets to stay connected to services, health care and friends.
- City of Overland Park - The city will add bike racks, a repair station and benches at three community spaces. These upgrades will make biking more practical, provide resting spots and support active trips to recreation and services.
- City of Pratt - An ADA-compliant concrete ramp will be added to the restroom building at Green Trails Park. The ramp will allow people using wheelchairs, walkers or strollers to enter the restrooms safely and independently.
- City of Blue Rapids - The city will transform an aging concrete slab into a regulation pickleball court with surfacing, fencing and benches in the park. This upgrade will provide a safe, low-impact place for exercise, socializing and multigenerational recreation.
- City of Andover - A second on-demand transit route will operate for six months to support expanded meals and activities for older adults. Rider data will help the city decide on future service levels and space needs for additional programs.
- The Hub Argentine - Residents will conduct a walk audit along 40th Street in Kansas City, KS, to document missing sidewalks. The work will highlight safety risks and support advocacy for improved pedestrian infrastructure.
- Strawberry Hill Neighborhood Association - New benches, signage and a replacement flagpole will be installed in a small neighborhood memorial park. These updates will make the space safer and support gardening, social gatherings and community activities.
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 Kansas 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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