AARP Community Challenge offers grants for local projects
Applications are now being accepted for the AARP Community Challenge, which provides grants to fund quick-action projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages.
Local nonprofit organizations and governments across Long Island can apply to win grants for projects that improve public spaces, housing, transportation and civic engagement; support diversity, equity and inclusion; and pursue innovative ideas that support people age 50 or older.
Now in its sixth year, 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.
“AARP New York is excited to kick-off the Community Challenge again in 2022 to continue helping communities across New York become great places for people of all backgrounds, abilities and ages, especially people 50-plus,” AARP State President James O’Neal said in a written statement. “The program has proven that quick-action projects can lead to long-lasting improvements right where New Yorkers live.”
Since 2017, AARP has awarded over 800 grants through the Community Challenge to nonprofit organizations and government entities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The average Community Challenge grant amount is $11,500 and 76 percent of grants have been under $15,000. The largest grant ever awarded by the program was $50,000.
The program provides direct support to all community types, including rural, suburban and urban communities. Previous projects have enabled long-term progress by garnering additional support from public and private funders, encouraging similar improvements throughout the community, advancing local policy, and generating engagement among residents and local leaders to advocate for change.
Applications for the grant program will be accepted through March 22 and all projects must be completed by Nov. 30. For more information visit: AARP.org/CommunityChallenge
