2022 AARP Community Challenge Grant Cycle is Now Open

AARP has opened its Community Challenge grant program for the 6^th year! This program funds quick-action projects to make communities more livable and jump-start long-term change.

Applications are being accepted now through March 22 at 5:00 p.m. ET and must be submitted through www.AARP.org/CommunityChallenge. Projects must be completed by November 30, 2022. The program is open to 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), 501(c)(6) nonprofits and government entities. Other types of organizations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Since 2017, AARP has awarded over 800 grants through the Community Challenge to organizations in all 50 states, D.C, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Past projects have demonstrated an ability to help grantees garner additional funds or support from the public and private funders, encourage replication and overcome local policy barriers, and receive greater overall awareness and engagement.

AARP will prioritize projects that support residents age 50 and over, are inclusive, address disparities, directly engage volunteers, and aim to achieve one or more of the following (with a focus on all residents, especially people age 50 and older):

• Creating vibrant public places;
• Delivering a range of transportation and mobility options;
• Supporting a range of housing options;
• Ensuring a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion;
• Increasing civic engagement;
• Supporting communities’ efforts to build engagement and leverage funding available under new federal programs; and
• Other community improvements.

Please visit www.AARP.org/CommunityChallenge for more information and to see some of the grantees in action – helping to revitalize alleyways, create vibrant public spaces, design safer crosswalks and much more!