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AARP Commits $237,000 to Strengthen 21 Communities Across North Carolina

AARP

Published July 01, 2026

AARP

RALEIGH, NC -- AARP today announced 21 organizations throughout North Carolina will receive 2026 Community Challenge grants. Marking the program’s 10th anniversary, the grants are part of an $8.3 million commitment by AARP, doubling last year’s total, to fund 750 quick-action projects nationwide aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, especially older adults. The funds will support improvements to public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connectivity, disaster preparedness, and other local priorities that help improve social connections and strengthen neighborhoods and towns of all sizes.

“Communities across North Carolina are eager for solutions that boost mobility, connection, and quality of life,” said AARP North Carolina Director Michael Olender. “Thanks to Community Challenge grants, we’re empowering residents to implement impactful improvements that make a sizeable difference.”

Since 2017, the AARP Community Challenge has awarded $24.3 million through 2,100 grants including 54 to North Carolina 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.

Projects across North Carolina reflect growing demand for practical, local solutions that help residents stay connected, safe and independent.

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The 2026 North Carolina winners are:

Elon First Baptist Church, Burlington, NC -- Older adults will be paired with teens and young adults for hands‑on technology help and regular check‑ins. Monthly sessions will cover everyday tech tasks, provide social connection and offer ongoing support.

Burlington Development Corp., Burlington, NC -- Short disaster preparedness trainings will serve 140 older adult households following recent severe storms. The sessions will help restore confidence by sharing clear steps for emergency readiness.

Parkway Playhouse – Burnsville, NC -- The theater will upgrade its outdoor patio with safer seating, improved lighting, refreshed landscaping and fireplace maintenance. These improvements will support safe, comfortable socializing before and after performances.

Brunswick Senior Resources Inc., Calabash, NC -- The organization will construct an ADA-compliant sidewalk with lighting and benches between a Senior Center and nearby age-restricted housing. This new connection will remove walking hazards and support daily activity and social access.

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Town of Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC -- The town will install a marked crosswalk with flashing signals, lighting and ADA-compliant curb ramps. The improvements will support safer access to nearby housing and transit stops. This project is made possible by a grant from AARP with funding support provided by Toyota Motor North America.

Hope Renovations, Chapel Hill, NC -- Public seminars will help residents evaluate small home changes that support aging in place. Participants will receive summaries that guide practical next steps.

Sustain Charlotte, Charlotte, NC – To support a program to teach adults age 50-plus how to use public transit through hands-on workshops and guided practice rides. Participants will learn routes, fares and safety skills to travel more confidently and independently.

Affordable Housing for the Carolinas (2 grants), Charlotte, NC –

(1) Through home visits, the nonprofit will conduct safety checks and install simple features such as lighting, grab bars and other accessibility fixes. These updates will reduce household hazards and help older adults stay safely in their homes.

(2) Affordable Housing for the Carolinas will also offer home safety training and assessments using a structured home safety guide in two neighborhoods. The project will help residents reduce fall risks and improve everyday home accessibility.

Town of Liberty, Liberty, NC -- The project will build a looped sidewalk connecting parking areas to a new bandshell in Freedom Park. The walkway will provide safe and accessible access to park activities for all users. This project is made possible by a grant from AARP with funding support provided by Toyota Motor North America.

Town of Matthews, Matthews, NC -- This project will replace an older pedestrian beacon with a rectangular rapid‑flashing beacon at a busy mid‑block crossing near an community for older adults. The upgrade will make drivers more likely to stop and improve access to the greenway.

Town of Mayodan, Mayodan, NC -- The town will improve a dark pedestrian tunnel by adding lighting, cleaning the space and installing a mural. These updates will make the tunnel safer and more inviting for older adults to access nearby recreation and trails.

Peletah Ministries, New Bern, NC -- The program will train older rural residents to use internet tools before and after storms. Participants will gain skills for alerts, telehealth visits and recovery assistance. This project is made possible by a grant from AARP with funding support provided by Microsoft.

Sandhills Moore Coalition for Human Care, Pinehurst, NC -- Emergency preparedness kits will be distributed to about 600 residents age 50-plus. The kits will help older adults prepare for hurricanes, power outages and extreme heat, especially in rural and low-income areas.

WakeUp Wake County, Raleigh, NC -- The organization will host tours, workshops and provide design guidance to help residents age 50-plus understand how accessory dwelling units can support aging in place. The project focuses on accessible design and housing planning tools.

Chatham County Literacy Council, Inc., Siler City, NC -- The program will offer digital classes using refurbished laptops, WiFi access, and local pop-up labs led by trained volunteers. Participants will build basic online skills to access services, communicate and use technology more confidently.

Iredell Council on Aging, Statesville, NC -- Home safety trainings and simple modifications will be completed in many homes. The project will help reduce fall risks and support caregivers.

Arts of the Pamlico – Washington, NC -- At a historic arts site, outdoor seating will be added as well as ADA-friendly furniture and a level brick patio for programs. The improved setting will make it easier for older adults to gather, create art and attend free events.

Mid-East Commission, Washington, NC -- The Commission will help older adults find affordable internet plans and apply for federal discounts, such as the Lifeline program. Staff will work one-on-one with residents to reduce costs and improve internet access in rural communities.

Town of Wake Forest, Wake Forest, NC -- This project will install new crosswalks and ADA-compliant curb cuts on a busy road to improve safety and mobility for older adults and residents. The updates will make it easier to walk between downtown, neighborhoods and community facilities.

American Legion Post 363, Zebulon, NC -- Three training sessions will guide older adults through emergency planning and supply preparation. Participants will gain practical skills and materials to support confident, organized responses during emergencies.

“America is aging, and most older adults want to stay in the communities they know and love. There are a lot of things that localities can do to support residents of all ages,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP, Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer. “AARP Community Challenge grants help transform local ideas into real improvements— from safer sidewalks and improved transportation options to public spaces that bring neighbors together and enhance community connections. As we celebrate the program’s 10th year, we’re proud to double our investment so even more communities can become great places to live for people at all stages of life.”

View the full list of grantees and their projects at aarp.org/communitychallenge. Learn more about AARP’s work to support livable communities at aarp.org/livable

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