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 tenth year, AARP will double its investment, awarding over $8 million in grants as part of its 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. In Oklahoma, the Community Challenge grant program has awarded nearly $500,000 to 37 nonprofit organizations and local government entities.
“As we enter the tenth year of the Community Challenge, we’re excited to help even more Oklahoma communities bring bold ideas to life. Whether it’s improving walkability, expanding housing options or increasing safety and resilience, these grants jump‑start projects that have a lasting impact,” said AARP Oklahoma Sr. Associate State Director of Outreach Mashell Sourjohn. “We can’t wait to see the innovative ideas Oklahomans bring forward this year.”
This year, the AARP Community Challenge is accepting 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.
- Flagship grants support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; and disaster resilience. Awards range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000.
- Capacity-building microgrants are paired with expert support, webinars, and cohort learning for projects to improve walkability and bikeability; implement safe, accessible home modifications; and disaster preparedness training. Awards are $2,500.
- Demonstration grants fund projects that encourage replication of exemplary local efforts. This year’s focus is on improving pedestrian safety, with funding support from Toyota Motor North America; expanding high-speed internet access and adoption, with funding support from Microsoft; and housing choice design competitions. Awards typically range from $10,000 to $20,000, with a maximum of $25,000.
“The impact that our Community Challenge grants have had in cities, towns and counties nationwide is significant, supporting everything from crosswalks and home improvements to increased community engagement while also serving as a catalyst for further action,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer. “We look forward to expanding the program and its cumulative results over the next ten years.”
Since 2017, AARP has invested $24.3 million toward 2,100 livability projects across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands through the Community Challenge. The program aims to provide support to all community types, including rural, suburban and urban communities, with a special focus on the needs of those 50 and older.
Here in Oklahoma, Community Challenge grants have supported a wide range of initiatives to help older adults live safely, stay active and remain connected. Recent projects include:
- Accessible walking trails in Tulsa’s Howard Park to encourage exercise and social interaction.
- A transformed downtown alley in Okmulgee with seating, murals and greenery to create an inviting, walkable gathering space.
- A Tiny Home for Elders design competition hosted by the Kiowa Tribe to generate culturally relevant, affordable housing options.
- Walk audits in Sapulpa and Muskogee to identify sidewalk and crosswalk needs and guide community planning.
- Bathroom safety equipment for older adults and residents with disabilities served by the Absentee Shawnee Housing Authority.
The Community Challenge is open to eligible 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) 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.
The application deadline is March 4 at 5 p.m. EST. All projects must be completed by December 15, 2026. To submit an application and view past grantees, visit www.AARP.org/CommunityChallenge.
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