The AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to fund quick-action projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages. In 2024, the AARP Community Challenge will be accepting applications for three different grant opportunities:

• Flagship Grants

This is AARP’s flagship Community Challenge grant program where grants have ranged from several hundred dollars for smaller, short-term activities to tens of thousands of dollars for larger projects. These grants will support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; community resilience; and community health and economic empowerment.

• Capacity-Building Microgrants

These $2,500 grants are combined with additional valuable resources, such as webinars, cohort learning opportunities, up to two hours of one-on-one coaching, and AARP publications. This grant opportunity will accept applications for projects that support Walk Audits, Bike Audits and HomeFit® Modifications.

• Demonstration Grants

Supporting demonstration efforts that encourage replication of promising local efforts, this grant opportunity will accept applications for digital connectivity to prepare for and respond to disaster; equitable engagement to reconnect communities; and housing choice design competitions.

Applications are being accepted now through March 6 at 5:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. PT and must be submitted through AARP.org/CommunityChallenge. Projects must be completed by December 15, 2024. The program is open to 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), 501(c)(6) nonprofits and government entities.

Since 2017, AARP has invested $16.4 million through 1,370 grants 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 public and private funders, encourage replication and overcome local policy barriers and receive greater overall awareness and engagement.