For the eighth annual AARP Community Challenge, AARP received more than 3,350 applications from nonprofits and government entities, resulting in a highly competitive selection process.

Some $3.8 million is being invested across the country through 343 quick-action projects (including nine from Massachusetts), helping urban, rural and suburban communities make immediate improvements and jump-start long-term progress to support residents of all ages.

Congrats to the Massachusetts-based grantees listed below:

• Belchertown: Belchertown Senior Center
  This senior center will install benches along a new paved walkway located near an assisted living facility and a school. The seating will enable older adults with physical or cognitive challenges to take walks. (Flagship Grant)

• Cambridge: Green Cambridge
  Walk audits through a mixed-use district will evaluate pedestrian crossings and identify ways to improve them. Organizers will share audit results with community members, local businessowners and municipal agencies to inform streetscape improvements. (Capacity-Building Microgrant)

• Lowell: Bike Connector, Inc.
  This project will provide older adults with free refurbished bicycles, as well as maintenance, repair, riding skills and safety instruction at a one-day event. Participants will also receive a bike helmet, lock and lights. (Flagship Grant)

• Merrimac: Merrimac Senior Center
  Older adult volunteers will conduct a bike audit focused on areas they frequent. The audit will assess the condition of sidewalks and paths and inform efforts to implement an e-bike program. (Capacity-Building Microgrant)

• New Bedford: Friends of Buttonwood Park
  This project will install benches along a walking path in a popular park to improve accessibility for people of all ages and abilities. (Flagship Grant)

• Randolph: Meaningful Occasions
  This project will provide technology training for older adults living in affordable housing, with a focus on home tech solutions that allow individuals to safely age in place. (Capacity-Building Microgrant)

• Watertown: City of Watertown Department of Senior Services and Council on Aging
  This eviction prevention project will offer financial assistance to older adult tenants, which they can put toward rent, home modifications and cleaning services. The city will also provide help with managing medications, obtaining legal referrals and accessing community resources. (Flagship Grant)

• Wayland: Wayland Council on Aging
  This project will support aging in place through home safety trainings for older adults. The council will also install grab bars in several homes and attendees will receive motion-sensing night lights. (Capacity-Building Microgrant)

• Worcester: Worcester Housing Authority
  The housing authority will offer digital literacy courses to older residents and those with disabilities. The project will also add desktop computers to community rooms and provide residents with free, high-speed internet connections. (Flagship Grant)

See the 2024 AARP Community Challenge page to learn about this year’s three grant opportunities: Flagship Grants, Capacity-Building Microgrants, Demonstration Grants.