From Ideas to Impact: Investing in Montana Communities for All Ages

AARP Montana Community Challenge Grants are transforming communities across the state—one project at a time. Since 2017, AARP Montana has funded innovative, community-driven projects that make towns, cities, and neighborhoods more livable for people of all ages.

These grants support local nonprofits and government entities working to improve parks and trails, create safer streets, enhance public spaces, expand housing options, strengthen transportation systems, and address other community-identified needs.

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What Makes a Livable Community?

A livable community is safe and secure, offers choices in where to live and how to get around, and supports people of all ages and abilities. Through the Community Challenge Grants, AARP Montana helps communities take meaningful, tangible steps toward that vision -- funding projects that improve safety, accessibility, and quality of life.

Making an Impact Across Montana

Since 2017, the AARP Montana Community Challenge has awarded:

• 75 grants
• $802,270 in funding
• Investments in both rural and urban communities across Montana

From park improvements and accessible walking trails to public art installations and safety upgrades, these projects are helping Montanans thrive where they live. Grant recipients span every corner of the state, reflecting the creativity, collaboration, and commitment of Montana communities.

Application Window

The AARP Montana Community Challenge Grant application window typically opens January through March each year.

Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to follow AARP Montana on social media for announcements, updates, and reminders when the application period opens. This is your opportunity to turn creative ideas into lasting community change.

Learn More

Explore the projects and stories behind each grant by reviewing our annual press releases.

View Past Community Challenge Grant Winners in Montana:

• See the 2025 winners
• See the 2024 winners
• See the 2023 winners
• See the 2022 winners
• See the 2021 winners
• See the 2020 winners
• See the 2019 winners
• See the 2018 winners
• See the 2017 winners
• View the latest edition of the Investing in Montana Communities report here >>

The Community Challenge is part of a nationwide AARP initiative, with projects funded in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. View all past grantees and their projects at aarp.org/communitychallenge. Learn more about AARP’s work to support livable communities at aarp.org/livable.