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AARP Commits $88,590 to Strengthen Six Communities Across the District

Grants aims to help residents of all ages, especially older adults, improve how they live, move, and stay connected in their neighborhoods through innovative local projects

AARP

Published June 24, 2026

AARP

Washington, D.C.—AARP announced today that six organizations throughout the District will receive 2026 Community Challenge grants. Marking the program’s 10th anniversary, the grants are part of an $8.3 million commitment by AARP, doubling last year’s total, to fund 750 quick-action projects nationwide aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, especially older adults. The funds will support improvements to public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connectivity, disaster preparedness, and other local priorities that help improve social connections and strengthen neighborhoods and towns of all sizes.

“Communities across the District are eager for solutions that boost mobility, connection, and quality of life,” said Louis Davis, Jr., AARP DC State Director. “Thanks to Community Challenge grants, we’re empowering residents to implement impactful improvements that make a sizeable difference.”

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Since 2017, the AARP Community Challenge has awarded a total of $440,342 through 30 grants in DC to nonprofit organizations and local government entities across the District. Grant projects have been funded in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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Projects across the District reflect growing demand for practical, local solutions that help residents stay connected, safe and independent, including:

Capitol Area Food Bank ($15,000) - This project expands awareness and access to Grocery Plus (CSFP), SNAP, and the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program by addressing digital barriers. It will install a high-speed internet kiosk with tablets or laptops at the Capital Area Food Bank Center, enabling seniors to enroll in and manage benefits such as SNAP, Medicare, Medicaid, telehealth, and nutrition programs.
Capitol Riverfront Parks Foundation ($15,000) - The project installs aging-in-place technologies in participants’ homes and identifies, resolves, and documents barriers to sustained use.
DC Fire and EMS Department ($15,000) - This project expands access to free smoke alarms to improve disaster resilience and reduce home fire risk, particularly for older adults who face higher injury and fatality rates due to mobility, health, and response challenges.
Many Languages one Voice ($15,000) - This project provides group and one-on-one multilingual digital literacy training to help older adults build skills for navigating online tools such as job applications, scheduling appointments, and accessing reliable information on their rights and policy changes.
Seabury ($13,590) - This project expands a transportation shuttle model to address barriers older adults face in accessing food, maintaining independence, and staying connected to their communities.
Thrive DC ($15,000) - This grant will expand a digital access model by funding laptops, tablets, a printer/scanner, and software, allowing technology to be used throughout the community center rather than in one room.

Previous Community Challenge grants in the District have delivered long-term impact, including:

2024 grantee, Forest Hills of DC, launched a temporary public art initiative featuring portraits and personal stories displayed as a large mural during a citywide art festival. The project included a workshop on dismantling age bias and a digital exhibit that remains online. The mural boosted morale, drew broad attention and increased volunteer engagement.
In 2022, Manna tackled barriers to homeownership by renovating 131 affordable apartments, hosting 34 workshops and assisting more than 1,200 clients through counseling and programs. Thirteen participants aged 50-plus applied for home purchase assistance, and 53 avoided eviction or foreclosure.

“America is aging, and most older adults want to stay in the communities they know and love. There are a lot of things that localities can do to support residents of all ages,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP, Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer. “AARP Community Challenge grants help transform local ideas into real improvements— from safer sidewalks and improved transportation options to public spaces that bring neighbors together and enhance community connections. As we celebrate the program’s 10th year, we’re proud to double our investment so even more communities can become great places to live for people at all stages of life.”

View the full list of grantees and their projects at aarp.org/communitychallenge. Learn more about AARP’s work to support livable communities at aarp.org/livable.

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