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AARP is investing more than $107,000 in Utah communities in 2026
2026 AARP Utah Community Challenge Grant Winners
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SALT LAKE CITY- 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 will be 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.
Here in Utah, AARP is thrilled to support ten 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.
The 2026 program includes three grant types:
- Flagship Grants
- Capacity-Building Microgrants
- Demonstration Grants
2026 Grantees in Utah Include:
- Ivins Inspired: The funds will go toward a project that will transform city crosswalks with high-contrast public art and safety-informed designs. These improvements will make crossings more visible, slow vehicle traffic and help walkers of all ages move more confidently.
- Moab Free Health Clinic: A free outdoor fitness pod will be created with the grant money, featuring strength and balance equipment in a walkable community space. The project will support healthy aging, fall prevention and social connection.
- Habitat for Humanity Northern Utah: An accessible education center will be established with classroom space, technology and seating for workshops. The center will help residents build digital and home maintenance skills and connect them to repair and support services.
- Sun Country Meadows South: The grant will help the community expand and enhance its central outdoor space by adding a covered patio, seating areas and a garden. These upgrades will support safe, year-round outdoor gatherings for residents ages 55+.
- Uintah Special Service District 1: Outdoor mobility and stretching stations will be installed along a popular community walking trail. The stations will help adults age 50-plus stretch, improve balance and walk more safely and with greater confidence.
- Santaquin City: The city will transform an undeveloped one-acre parcel into a neighborhood pocket park and community garden. The space will include seating, paths and gathering areas for residents, especially nearby older adults.
- City of Blanding: The city will build permanent ADA accessible restrooms and a drinking fountain at Central Park near the recreation areas. The new facilities will allow visitors to spend more time at the park while staying comfortable and active.
- Tooele County Aging Services: Bike audits across the county will identify bike routes suitable for older adults. The project will share findings with the community coalition to support safer riding options and future programs.
- Uintah Special Service District 1: Three walk audits will assess walking routes for residents ages 50+. The results will guide improvements that support independence and active living.
- Glendale Neighborhood Council: A 360-degree camera and Spanish translation and captions will be added to support virtual community meetings. These tools will help older and Spanish-speaking residents attend remotely and stay involved despite mobility or travel limits.
Take a look at previous Community Challenge Grant winners in Utah:
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 Utah 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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