Since 2017, AARP has awarded over $13 million in grant money to organizations, government entities and individuals through its AARP Community Challenge. Applications for this year’s grant challenge are now officially open, and welcome ideas that center on older adults from small, short-term projects to large-scale opportunities.
According to AARP, there are three types of grants available. For their flagship grants, the organization is looking for projects that focus on creating “vibrant Public Places that improve open spaces, parks and access to other amenities,” projects that focus on transportation and mobility, housing, accessible digital connections, community resilience for disaster management and preparedness, community health and economic empowerment.
For its Capacity-Building Microgrants, AARP is looking for proposals on biking and walking audits to increase the safety of those activities in the community. AARP’s HomeFit® Modifications grant focuses on education and implementation of modifications in the home to make daily life more accessible for older adults.
Finally, Demonstration Grants will be given out for disaster preparedness, “facilitating equitable engagement to reconnect communities that have been divided by infrastructure” and housing choice design competitions.
Hundreds of grants have been issued since the program’s inception in 2017, including money granted to small-town municipalities, houses of worship, university programs focusing on the needs of older adults, green spaces, and more.
AARP has long been committed to LGBTQ+ issues, and LGBTQ+ older adults often face additional challenges as they age. These grants could open doors of opportunity to underserved queer and transgender communities.
To learn more about the grant process and if you or your organization qualifies, check out AARP’s live webinar, Jan. 31 2 p.m. EST.