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AARP Investing $122,149 in North Dakota Communities Through Expanded Nationwide Grant Program

Eleven communities across North Dakota are receiving a boost in their efforts to become more livable for residents of all ages.

AARP

Published June 24, 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.

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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 North Dakota, 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.

2026 Grantees in North Dakota include:

Projects funded this year across North Dakota reflect growing demand for practical, local solutions that help residents stay connected, safe and independent, including:

Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health ($11,500): By collaborating with older adults on murals and mosaics at the Age Well Center, this project supports aging well through creative engagement, social connection, and improved safety—promoting belonging, connection, and overall health and well-being.
City of Casselton ($9,250): The city will add a small hut, seating, lighting and banners to a downtown green space used for events. These additions will provide shelter and gathering spots that make it easier for older residents to enjoy community activities.
City of Columbus ($15,000): A community center will be upgraded to create a more comfortable and accessible gathering place for local residents, especially older adults.
City of Williston ($15,000): This project will demonstrate a traffic calming method in three intersections which are difficult for pedestrians, including older and low-income neighbors, as well as school children from the surrounding neighborhood and neighborhood school.
Carrington Rainbow Gardens, Carrington ($15,000): The first phase of a public garden enhancement will add smooth concrete walkways and resting spots to create clear, accessible movement. These features will make it easier to walk through the gardens and spend time outdoors near downtown services.
Garden of Healing Park, Horace ($15,000): The Garden of Healing Park will install 10 ADA-accessible raised garden beds from Green Circle Accessible Gardens to improve that experience. Thoughtfully designed with wheelchair clearance and ergonomic height, these beds eliminate the need to bend or kneel, allowing older adults and individuals with disabilities to plant, water, and harvest independently.

Hoof it Forward, Ft. Rice ($13,650): Wheelchair‑accessible ramps and portable equipment will expand access to equine‑assisted activities. A mobile unit will deliver adaptive wellness programs to rural communities, serving older adults and people with disabilities.
McHenry County Historical Society & Museum, Towner ($6,800): A chairlift will be installed in a restored historic building to help adults age 50-plus and people with disabilities safely reach the upper‑level museum space. This will enable visitors with mobility challenges to take advantage of local resources.
Spirit Lake Senior Services, Ft. Totten ($15,000): High‑speed internet, computers and printers will be added to two local Senior Centers. Guided workshops will help adults age 50-plus build digital skills and reduce isolation by providing reliable access to online resources.
Rebuilding Together of Fargo-Moorhead Area, West Fargo ($2,500): Rural training sessions will teach families how to make their homes safer and more comfortable and accessible for people of all ages. Participants will receive safety items and information about additional services.
Mountrail County Garden Club, Stanley ($3,449): The local gardening club will build a gazebo with seating near a popular butterfly garden. The structure will provide shade, resting space and a venue for educational events for visitors of all ages.

In addition to awarding 2026 grants, AARP North Dakota is highlighting communities that have previously received Community Challenge grants during a six-city tour.

“We’ll be hitting events in towns ranging from Bowman to Grand Forks. We’ll highlight the great work these communities have done in making their towns places where everyone of every age can thrive, and how AARP Community Challenge grant-funded projects contributed to their efforts,” ND Advocacy Director Janelle Moos said.

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