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AARP Ohio Nears $1 Million Invested in Communities with New Round of Community Challenge Grants
Grants aims to help residents of all ages improve how they live, move, and stay connected in their neighborhoods through innovative local projects
AARP
Twenty-four Ohio communities and organizations are receiving 2026 AARP Community Challenge grants to support projects that make communities more livable, connected, and accessible for people of all ages.
The investments come as Ohio marks its first year as an AARP Age-Friendly State, creating new momentum for local efforts that help residents grow up and grow older together. With this year's awards, the AARP Community Challenge program has provided nearly $1 million to support community-driven projects across Ohio since 2017, helping local leaders turn ideas into tangible improvements that help make communities great places to live for people of all ages.
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The Ohio projects are among 750 initiatives receiving support through AARP's 2026 Community Challenge program. As the program celebrates its tenth anniversary, AARP is awarding $8.3 million in grants nationwide—more than double last year's funding level.
Additional 2026 program funders include:
- Microsoft, funding digital connections projects that expand high-speed internet access and promote broadband adoption.
The 2026 program includes three grant types:
- Flagship Grants
- Capacity-Building Microgrants
- Demonstration Grants
2026 Grantees in Ohio Include:
Northeast Ohio:
- City of Seven Hills Department of Parks & Recreation: The city will enhance Memorial Park with accessible benches, improved lighting, landscaping, picnic areas and walking paths, creating a safer and more comfortable gathering space for residents of all ages.
- Lorain Port and Finance Authority: A new sidewalk connecting overflow parking to a riverfront event venue will provide a safer, more accessible route for pedestrians during concerts and community events.
- Habitat for Humanity of Summit County: Community walk audits and volunteer training will help identify pedestrian safety concerns and accessibility improvements throughout Barberton's Ward 6.
- City of Campbell City Council: Older adult volunteers will participate in walk audits throughout the city, helping identify opportunities to improve sidewalks, crossings and pedestrian safety.
- Austintown Township: An underutilized senior center office will be transformed into a telehealth hub, providing technology, training and support to help older adults access virtual health care services.
Southeast Ohio:
- WELX Community Center: A new ADA-compliant loop trail featuring benches, shade and wayfinding signage will improve access to outdoor recreation while supporting community engagement.
- The Scioto Society Inc.: Pavement repairs and new handrails at a community amphitheater will improve accessibility and reduce fall risks for visitors attending performances and events.
- City of Lancaster, Ohio: Portable wheelchair ramps will improve access to downtown businesses, services and community events by providing flexible accessibility solutions.
Southwest Ohio:
- Miami County Public Health: A train-the-trainer program and community resilience fair will help older adults prepare for emergencies by sharing disaster preparedness resources.
- City of Englewood: The fire department will launch a home safety modification program by purchasing specialized tools and equipment to help residents address common safety hazards.
- Colerain Township Department of Fire & Emergency Medical Services: Home safety assessments and simple modifications, including grab bar installations, will help older adults reduce fall risks and remain safely independent at home.
- Age-Friendly Oxford: "Chat benches" installed in parks and along trails will encourage conversation, foster social connections and help older adults feel more welcome in public spaces.
- Kennedy Heights Development Corporation: Older adults and caregivers will receive hands-on instruction on affordable home safety improvements and practical modifications that can support aging in place.
- Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development: Disaster preparedness training for staff, volunteers and residents will strengthen community readiness, while preparedness kits will support outreach to vulnerable older adults.
- Village of South Zanesville: Fire safety and disaster preparedness trainings will provide older adults with practical emergency planning guidance and take-home preparedness kits.
Northwest Ohio:
- Go Ottawa: A solar-powered mid-block crosswalk will improve pedestrian safety and provide a more direct connection between older adults and key community destinations.
- City of Upper Sandusky: Accessible sidewalks will replace steps and aging ramps at a key downtown intersection, improving access to nearby businesses, parks and public spaces.
- Defiance County Commissioners: Trail enhancements, including benches, wellness signage, interactive music features and pet-friendly amenities, will encourage physical activity, social connection and overall well-being.
- Village of Coldwater: New benches, a picnic table, bike racks and trash receptacles will create welcoming spaces near the village's pickleball courts.
- Ottawa County Senior Resources: Trainings and outreach activities will introduce older adults and caregivers to Universal Design principles and affordable home modifications that support safe, independent living.
Central Ohio:
- Marion Public Health: A series of trainings will help older adults identify home hazards and implement practical safety solutions, while select households will receive targeted home modifications.
- Washington Court House: New and repaired ADA-compliant pathways will connect the Commission on Aging to a nearby park, improving safe access to outdoor amenities and recreational opportunities.
- Ohio Department of Development - Broadband Ohio: Hands-on technology training and free devices will help older adults build digital skills, access essential services and stay connected to friends, family and health care resources.
- National Church Residences Foundation: Digital skills classes at senior housing communities will help residents use technology with confidence to access services, manage daily needs and stay socially connected.
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 Ohio 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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