For the seventh annual AARP Community Challenge, AARP received more than 3,600 applications from nonprofits and government entities, resulting in a highly competitive selection process.

Massachusetts is home to seven of the awarded projects that included $3.6 million across the entire country. A list of the Massachusetts projects is below and the full nationwide list can be seen at the AARP Community Challenge announcement.

• Attleboro: Attleboro Norton YMCA
  This project will provide free care to older adults with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and other related dementias so their caregivers can exercise while knowing that their loved ones are safe.

• Bridgewater: Bridgewater Senior Center
  The project will fund a garden and outdoor activity area designed for older adults. It will include ADA-compliant and wheelchair-accessible raised gardening beds, grilling stations and outdoor seating. Capacity-Building Microgrant

• Chelsea: La Colaborativa, Inc.
  La Plazita, an indoor/outdoor activity space, will provide Latinx residents age 50-plus with a place to gather, connect, celebrate and create community. The space is inspired by plazas, mercados and outdoor spaces in Latin America.

• Dunstable: Town of Dunstable
  This project will conduct three walk audits in the town center, with a focus on connections with public facilities, conservation trails and the small business community. The town will host community meetings to discuss the findings. Capacity-Building Microgrant

• Lynn: Bike to the Sea
  This project will conduct three walk audits to assess challenges that older adults face when accessing a shared-use trail. The organization will work with local stakeholders and city officials to advocate for improvements to increase accessibility and use. Capacity-Building Microgrant

• Springfield: WalkBoston
  The grant will fund a walk audit training program to teach residents how to recognize hazardous conditions in their communities and advocate for changes to make streets safer.

• Taunton: Downtown Taunton Foundation
  This project will conduct three walk audits in a business district to identify the best route for a three-mile walking path to encourage recreation, physical fitness and tourism. Capacity-Building Microgrant