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AARP Investing $95,225 in Maryland Communities Through its Expanded Community Challenge Grant Program

AARP

Published June 30, 2026

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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 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 are being awarded to 750 projects across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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.

Here in Maryland, AARP is supporting nine 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.

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The Maryland grants reflect growing demand for practical, local solutions that help residents stay connected, safe and independent:

Digital Solutions

Baltimore City Office of Information and Technology, $13,500 for Spanish-language digital training through its laptop distribution program.
Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, $8,600 for a vision enhancement mobile app to help visitors with low vision explore exhibits more independently.

Transportation

Neighborhood Companions Inc., $12,000 to transport older adult walking groups to parks and appointments while supporting social connection and activity.
Howard County Office on Aging and Independence, $14,625 for transit education and guided bus outings to build older adults’ confidence traveling independently.
Washington County Commission on Aging $15,000 to install a covered bus shelter at the Hagerstown senior center.

New Yorker in late 60s with short gray hair, wearing eyeglasses and gray t-shirt, smiling at camera, front door to Rockaway Beach home in background

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Disaster Preparedness

Compassion by Design, $2,500 for monthly disaster preparedness training for caregivers and volunteers.
Howard County Chinese School, $2,500 for culturally appropriate disaster-preparedness workshops for Asian American seniors.

Aging in Place

City of Takoma Park, $12,000 to add professional home assessments that guide repairs and accessibility upgrades for older adults.
Healing Forward Foundation, $12,000 for home safety updates such as grab bars, lighting, and minor repairs for adults 50 and older.

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 Maryland 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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