AARP Commits Nearly $170K to Strengthen Fourteen Communities Across Montana

Helena, Mont., June 24, 2026 — AARP today announced 14 organizations throughout Montana will receive 2026 Community Challenge grants. The grants are part of AARP’s $8.3 million commitment to fund 750 quick-action projects aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, with a focus 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 tenth year, the Challenge has awarded $802,270 through 75 grants in Montana since 2017 to nonprofit organizations and local government entities across the state. Grant projects will be funded in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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"AARP Montana is dedicated to partnering with community leaders, stakeholders and policymakers to enhance the vitality of Montana’s communities, ensuring they thrive for residents of all ages, particularly those 50 plus," said Tim Summers, AARP Montana State Director. "We’re excited to support this year’s grantees in driving meaningful, innovative community improvements that tackle both ongoing and new challenges across Montana."

Here in Montana, projects funded include: 

Front Step Community Land Trust (Missoula) – $20,000 – The project leads a housing design competition to develop buildable concepts that support aging in place following zoning updates. 

Bitter Root Land Trust (Victor) – $15,000 – The project installs accessible parking, benches, and an information kiosk at a new downtown-adjacent park to improve access and usability for visitors, particularly those with mobility needs. 

Sidney Area Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture – $15,000 – The project adds ADA benches, picnic tables, and sidewalk improvements in Veterans Park to create safer, more accessible gathering spaces for older adults and families. 

City of Plentywood – $15,000 – The project constructs a fenced dog park and concrete walking path to replace uneven gravel, improving safety and usability of park space. 

Bear Paw Development Corporation (Havre) – $15,000 – The project commissions public art installations downtown to enhance shared spaces and highlight local cultural history. 

Town of Hysham – $15,000 – The project builds an ADA-compliant sidewalk connecting key park amenities to improve navigation and safety for older residents. 

City of Hardin – $15,000 – The project adds an ADA-accessible ramp, sidewalks, lighting, and parking improvements to increase safe access to downtown events and public spaces. 

Wasay Wakpa Wachi (Lodge Pole) – $15,000 – The project develops a walking path with benches and signage around a Powwow site to support physical activity and cultural connection for tribal elders. 

City of Helena Parks and Recreation – $14,484 – The project upgrades popular trails with smoother surfacing, gentler slopes, and rest areas to reduce fall risk and support longer, more accessible outdoor use.