Annual program aims to make communities more livable for people of all ages

AARP Minnesota invites local eligible non-profit organizations and governments across the country to apply for the 2024 AARP Community Challenge grant program, now through March 6 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. AARP Community Challenge grants fund quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and more. Now in its eighth year, the 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 for all residents, especially those age 50 and older.

“AARP Minnesota is committed to working with local residents, advocates, and policymakers to make our communities better places to live for people of all ages,” said Cathy McLeer, AARP MN State Director. “The Community Challenge has proven that quick-action projects can lead to long-term change, especially for Minnesotans 50 and over.”

The AARP Community Challenge accepts applications across three different grant opportunities. All projects must be consistent with AARP’s mission to serve the needs of people 50 and older along with other eligibility criteria.

Capacity-building microgrants are paired with additional resources, such as one-on-one coaching, webinars, cohort learning opportunities and more for improving walkability, bikeability and implementing safe, accessible home modifications.

Demonstration grants focus on improving digital connections to prepare and respond to disasters; reconnecting communities divided by infrastructure; and housing choice design competitions.

Flagship grants support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; diversity, equity and inclusion; civic engagement; community health and economic empowerment; and new this year community resilience; and digital connections.

“AARP is committed to meeting the needs of a rapidly aging population in communities across the country,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer. “The Community Challenge aims to be a catalyst for action in cities, towns, and rural areas through quick-action community improvements that benefit people of all ages and abilities.”

Since 2017, AARP has invested $16.4 million toward 1,370 projects – including 34 in Minnesota – nonprofit organizations, and government entities across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands through the Community Challenge. The program provides direct support to all community types, including rural, suburban and urban communities with a special focus on the needs of those 50 and older.

AARP Minnesota works in collaboration with communities across the state, bringing people together, and providing resources and expertise to help make Minnesota counties, towns and cities great places to live for people of all ages.

The Community Challenge is open to eligible nonprofit organizations and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Grants can range from several hundred dollars for small, short-term activities to tens of thousands for larger projects.

Last year, Minnesota funded these projects:

• Alexandria: Cycling Without Age Alexandria

The organization, which pairs volunteer pilots with older adults and people with restricted mobility for bike rides, will purchase two specialized three-wheel bikes, known as trishaws.  

• Duluth: Community Action Duluth

This project will invite older adults to become vibrant participants in Duluth’s farmers markets and mobile grocery program by increasing opportunities to connect through volunteering, community visioning and intergenerational play. 

• Duluth: Ecolibrium3 (Eco3)

This project will engage older adult volunteers to help create an inclusive intergenerational space for social activities on the site of a former urban college farm. Capacity-Building Microgrant 

• Duluth: Lincoln Park Resource Center

The Center will improve the accessibility of a community garden by installing safe walkways, ramps, handrails and benches so community members can use the garden plots to grow healthy food, get exercise and host social events. 

• Lake City: Lake City Port Authority

This project will provide older homeowners access to accessory dwelling unit (ADU) design blueprints as well as information about the benefits of ADUs. Demonstration Grant

• Madison: The Madison Mercantile

This project will provide access to digital devices, including training and troubleshooting, to ensure older adults living in the rural community maximize their digital literacy. 

• Rochester: Family Service Rochester

The project will conduct 12 walk audits in a neighborhood sidewalk improvement district in support of the city’s Community Development Department Active Transportation Plan. Capacity-Building Microgrant

• Saint Peter: Point to Place

This project will convert a vacant lot into a downtown plaza and community event space, providing a gathering place for residents and visitors.

The application deadline is 4:00 p.m. Central, March 6, 2024. All projects must be completed by December 15, 2024. To submit an application and view past grantees, visit www.AARP.org/CommunityChallenge.