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AARP Investing Over $182,000 in Pennsylvania Communities Through Expanded Nationwide Grant Program

14 communities across Pennsylvania are receiving a boost in their efforts to become more livable for residents of all ages.

AARP

Published June 29, 2026

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 mark this milestone—and in response to growing demand—AARP has doubled the size of the program in 2026, supporting more communities and high-impact local projects than ever before.

In 2026, $8.3 million in grants are being awarded to 750 projects nationwide. These projects focus on creating immediate improvements while laying the foundation for long-term change, with investments in public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connectivity, and more.

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Here in Pennsylvania, AARP is investing more than $182,000 in 14 projects that are making a real difference in communities across the state. These grants support practical, community-driven solutions that help residents stay connected, safe, and independent—especially as they age.

"Across Pennsylvania, communities are looking for practical ways to stay connected, improve safety, and support people as they age," said Bill Johnston-Walsh, AARP Pennsylvania State Director. "These Community Challenge grant projects show what’s possible when local ideas get the support they need."

2026 Grantees in Pennsylvania Include:

This Generation Connect (Pittsburgh, PA) – Transforming an underused neighborhood space into an accessible community garden, expanding access to fresh food and creating a place for older adults to gather and connect.

ACLAMO (Norristown, PA) – Providing bilingual digital skills training to help older adults use technology confidently for everyday tasks and social connection.

Penn Asian Senior Services (Philadelphia, PA) – Expanding access to transportation for adults age 50-plus, with language support to help residents get to medical appointments safely.

The Community Grocer (Philadelphia, PA) – Improving access to affordable food while providing Wi-Fi, devices, and tech support to help older adults stay connected.

Common Roots (Meadville, PA) – Hosting a design competition for accessory dwelling units to support aging in place and housing affordability.

Royal Gardens Association (Philadelphia, PA) – Upgrading a community garden with accessible features and wellness programming that support mobility and social connection.

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Johnstown Redevelopment Authority (Johnstown, PA) – Transforming a vacant lot into an accessible green space for community use and gatherings.

Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County (Warminster, PA) – Providing home repairs and accessibility upgrades to help older homeowners remain independent.

Senior Adult Activities Center of Montgomery County (Norristown, PA) – Enhancing an outdoor space for meals, gardening, and social activities for adults age 50-plus.

Mantua Urban Peace Garden (Philadelphia, PA) – Improving accessibility to support participation in community programs and events.

Lancaster Downtowners (Lancaster, PA) – Conducting walk audits to identify ways to improve safety and accessibility along key routes.

Redtail Resilience Network (Pittsburgh, PA) – Providing disaster preparedness training focused on the needs of older adults.

Hookstown Fair (Hookstown, PA) – Building an accessible pavilion to support community participation and comfort at local events.

City of Allentown (Allentown, PA) – Installing a crosswalk signal to improve pedestrian safety near housing for older residents.

The AARP Community Challenge is part of AARP’s broader Livable Communities work, helping neighborhoods, towns, and cities become great places to live for people of all ages—with safe streets, accessible housing, and strong community connections.

To learn more about the AARP Community Challenge and projects happening across Pennsylvania, visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge.

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