The AARP Community Challenge Grant funds small projects to make communities more livable. Awards are made in three categories – Flagship Grants, Capacity-Building Microgrants, and Demonstration Grants.
Available funding varies by grant type, but applications for all categories are due by March 6, 2024 at 5 PM ET.
Eligibility
This grant is open to:
- Nonprofits with a 501(c)3, 501(c)4, or 501(c)6 status
- Government entities
Organizations that do not fall into either of the above categories may be able to apply, but that will be determined on a case by case basis. For-profit businesses and individuals are not eligible.
Grant Types
Flagship Grants
Flagship Grants focus on improving life for community residents, especially those who are 50 years of age or older. In the past, awards have ranged from $500 to $50,000 and the average award is $11,900. But don’t be afraid to dream big! There is no cap and extraordinary projects may receive larger amounts.
Project Categories
- Public Places – Improvement of parks, open spaces, and equitable access to public amenities
- Transportation and Mobility Options – Road improvements, wayfinding, improved connectivity and walk/bikeability, and increased access to transportation
- Housing – Increasing availability of affordable and accessible housing
- Digital Connections – Expanding access to high speed internet and digital literacy
- Community Resilience – Disaster preparedness and mitigation
- Community Health and Economic Empowerment – Increasing physical and financial health
Capacity-Building Microgrants
Capacity-Building Microgrants provide $2,500 as well as non-financial assistance like one-on-one coaching and webinars.
Project Categories
- Bike Audits – Perform a bike audit using the AARP Bike Audit Tool Kit
- HomeFit Modifications – Provide education, simple modification, and easy home safety/accessibility using the AARP HomeFit Guide
- Walk Audits – Perform a walk audit of the community using the AARP Walk Audit Toolkit
Demonstration Grants
Demonstration grants are intended to be used for pilot projects that can be replicated by other communities. Awards may be up to $50,000.
Project Categories
- Enhancing digital connectivity to prepare and respond to disasters
- Facilitating equitable engagement to reconnect communities divided by infrastructure
- Implementing housing choice design competitions
Selection Criteria
- Impact (45 points) – Does the project address a need to become more livable for residents, particularly those age 50 or older?
- Execution (30 points) – Has the applicant demonstrated an ability to complete the project on time and on budget, engage residents, and enlist volunteers, especially those age 50 or older?
- Addressing Disparities (15 points) – Does the project address disparities faced by historically marginalized groups?
- Innovation (10 points) – Is the project unique?
