Grants Improving Vermont Communities for Older Adults

AARP has invested in local communities across Vermont through grant programs focused on making Vermont a great place to live and age.

The AARP Community Challenge grant program and the AARP Vermont Winter Placemaking grant program fund quick-action projects across the state. Together, they help towns, nonprofits, and local organizations build public spaces, programs, and connections that work for people of all ages, with a focus on the needs of residents aged 50 and older.

More Ways to Benefit

View All

MEMBERS ONLY

View Benefit

MEMBERS ONLY

View Benefit

MEMBERS ONLY

View Benefit

MEMBERS ONLY

View Benefit

MEMBERS ONLY

View Benefit

Previous Next

1. Related Benefit 1
2. Related Benefit 2
3. Related Benefit 3
4. Related Benefit 4
5. Related Benefit 5

Winter Placemaking Grants in Vermont

Vermont winters can be long and isolating. The Winter Placemaking Grant Program focuses on helping communities embrace the winter months by reinventing public spaces to encourage outdoor activities and social engagement. The grant program is part of AARP's nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for people of all ages. Since 2020, AARP Vermont has awarded nearly $140,000 to 32 projects through the Winter Placemaking grant program for communities across the state.

The 2026 Winter Placemaking Grant application period is now open and will accept applications through October 9, 2026. CLICK HERE to submit your application.  An informational session will be held on September 18 to learn more about the application process and hear from previous grant recipients. Register for the info session HERE: 

• 2025 Grant Recipients: https://www.aarp.org/states/vermont/aarp-vermont-announces-2025-winter-placemaking-grant-recipients/
• 2024 Grant Recipients: https://www.aarp.org/states/vermont/2024-25-winter-placemaking-grantees-announced/
• 2023 Grant Recipients: https://www.aarp.org/states/vermont/aarp-awards-grants-to-six-vermont-organizations/
• 2022 Grant Recipients: https://www.aarp.org/states/vermont/aarp-awards-grants-to-six-vermont-communities

AARP Community Challenge Grants in Vermont

The AARP Community Challenge is an annual "quick-action" grant program that funds local projects that help make communities more livable for people of all ages. Since its debut in 2017, the AARP Community Challenge has funded more than 2,800 grants, investing $32.6 million in livability projects nationwide, with a focus on meeting the needs of adults age 50 or older. In Vermont, the Challenge has awarded $426,533 through 40 grants since 2017 to nonprofit organizations and local government entities across the state.

• 2025 Grant Recipients: https://www.aarp.org/states/vermont/aarp-investing-73-327-in-vermont-communities-as-part-of-nationwide-grant-program
• 2024 Grant Recipients:  https://www.aarp.org/states/vermont/aarp-awards-grants-to-5-organizations-in-vermont/
• 2023 Grant Recipients: https://www.aarp.org/states/vermont/six-vermont-organizations-chosen-for-aarp-community-challenge-grant-program

Discover More About AARP Vermont Grants

For Vermonters who want to learn more about these programs or explore future grant opportunities:

• Visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge to learn more about the AARP Community Challenge nationally and explore the interactive Livable Communities Map.
• Contact AARP Vermont directly to find out about upcoming Winter Placemaking grant cycles and how your community can apply.