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AARP Washington Awards $125,000 to Support 11 Community Projects Across the State
Grants will support projects that make communities more livable for residents of all ages
AARP
AARP Washington is awarding more than $125,000 in 2026 Community Challenge grants to 11 organizations across the state. The grants will support quick-action projects that improve public spaces, expand transportation access, strengthen digital skills, increase home safety and help communities better serve residents of all ages.
The awards are part of AARP’s largest Community Challenge investment to date. As the program marks its 10th anniversary, AARP is awarding more than $8.3 million in quick-action grants to 750 projects across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
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“AARP Washington is committed to working with local leaders, advocates and policymakers to provide support and resources that result in healthier, safer and more affordable communities for all Washingtonians,” said Marguerite Ro, AARP Washington State Director. “We are proud to support this year’s grantees as they bring about positive changes in our communities.”
With this year’s grants, AARP Washington has awarded more than $550,000 to 55 community projects across the state since 2017.
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 community resilience.
This year’s Washington projects include safer gathering spaces, support during extreme heat and wildfire smoke, digital skills training, transportation improvements, community gardens and home safety resources.
2026 grantees in Washington include:
- Asian Counseling and Referral Service, Seattle, WA: Offering digital literacy classes for immigrant and refugee adults age 50 and older to strengthen computer, email and online job application skills.
- Town of Fairfield, WA: Converting an old tennis court into four public pickleball courts, with surface repairs, seating and ADA access for residents of all ages.
- Trinity Feeding Ministry, Tacoma, WA: Upgrading a community garden with drip irrigation and ADA-accessible seating to support older gardeners, conserve water and increase fresh produce for the local food pantry.
- Rainfall Ranch Rescue, Lakebay, WA: Enhancing an outdoor community space with accessible paths, seating and gardens for adults age 50 and older, supporting gentle activity, food growing and social connection.
- Kalispel Tribe, Cusick, WA: Creating a Medicine Wheel Garden near the Elder Center with native plants, seating and shaded space. The project will give elders easier access to culturally important plants and provide a peaceful outdoor gathering place.
- The Carl Maxey Center, Spokane, WA: Providing portable air conditioners, installation and heat safety education to adults age 50 and older with low incomes. The project will reduce health risks during extreme heat and connect residents to ongoing support.
- City of Olympia, WA: Launching a pilot program that provides portable heat pumps and air filters to homebound older adults with low incomes. The project will reduce health risks from extreme heat and wildfire smoke while providing education on heat and air-quality safety.
- Sedro-Woolley Fire Department, Sedro-Woolley, WA: Purchasing secure residential lock boxes for high-risk households, giving first responders faster, safer access during emergencies involving older adults and residents with limited mobility.
- Community in Motion, Vancouver, WA: Modernizing a volunteer transportation program for older adults and people with disabilities with ride management software to improve scheduling and access to health care and community trips.
- Davenport Community Senior Center, Davenport, WA: Upgrading parking, lighting, seating and the covered entrance to make an aging facility safer and more welcoming. The improvements will support daily use by older adults and strengthen the center’s visibility and role in the community.
- Habitat for Humanity of Greater Moses Lake, Moses Lake, WA: Offering community trainings for older adults and their families about simple home safety modifications.
The AARP Community Challenge is part of AARP’s broader Livable Communities initiative, which supports neighborhoods, towns, cities and counties as they work to become great places for people of all ages. Livable communities help residents thrive by offering:
- Safe, walkable streets
- Affordable and accessible housing and transportation
- Access to essential services
- Opportunities for people of all ages to take part in community life
Learn more about the AARP Community Challenge in Washington and nationwide at 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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