By funding innovative, quick-action projects that spark change and build momentum, the annual AARP Community Challenge helps towns, cities and neighborhoods become more livable for people of all ages, especially adults age 50 or older.

This year, the AARP Community Challenge is awarding 750 grants, its largest number ever, doubling the scale of the program in 2026 and investing a record $8.3 million.

Each year, the AARP Community Challenge funds quick-action projects that help make neighborhoods more livable for people of all ages. In Massachusetts, this year’s grantees are putting ideas into action. Their projects improve safety, expand transportation options, strengthen digital skills, and create welcoming community spaces.

These projects focus on what matters most to residents. They support safer streets and better access to parks. They also help older adults stay connected and avoid scams. Many of the projects strengthen social connections and make it easier for people to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

Congrats to this year’s grantees, listed below:

2026 Massachusetts Community Challenge Grantees

• Action for Boston Community Development
  Training older volunteers in digital skills to help them stay connected and avoid scams

• Friends of Berkley Library
  Expands internet access for older adults at home and on the go

• Berkshire Regional Planning Commission
  Workshops and guides to help residents make home modifications for safe aging

• The Bike Connector – Lowell
  Bike audits to assess and improve safety near key destinations

• Boston Cyclists Union
  Temporary safety measures to improve crossings at high-injury intersections

• Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission
  Walk audits to identify barriers and improve neighborhood connections

• Indian Lake Community Association – Worcester
  Street safety improvements, including crosswalks and signage near community spaces

• Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly -Boston
  Provides digital literacy, fraud prevention education, and tech support to older adults in Boston housing communities

• MassDOT
  Bikeshare training in Everett, Worcester & Springfield to help older adults feel comfortable using new transportation options

• Mendon Council on Aging
  Expanding tech access through shared laptops and intergenerational volunteer support

• City of Newburyport
  Expanding bikeshare access to parks, beaches, and scenic destinations

• City of Newton Planning Department
  Creating pre-approved designs to make it easier to build accessible housing

• North Adams Partnership
  Park upgrades to improve accessibility, seating, and community gathering space

• SouthCoast Places for People – New Bedford
  Builds a safer, walkable “Neighborway” to improve access to parks and downtown for older residents

• South County Senior Center – Sunderland
  Equips older adults with emergency kits and training to stay safe during extreme weather and outages.

• South Hadley Council on Aging
  Peer mentors providing faster, one-on-one tech help for residents

• Springfield Dementia Friendly Coalition
  Trains older adults to prepare for disasters through workshops and preparedness resources

• WalkMassachusetts
  Workshops and walk audits to improve pedestrian safety and neighborhood walkability in Mattapan

• Westport Council on Aging
  Home safety repairs for older adults with lower incomes, helping reduce hazards and support independent living