On 1/8/25, AARP opened the Community Challenge grant program for the 9^th year. This is a great opportunity for organizations to apply for quick-action projects that make communities more livable for people of all ages and to jump-start long-term change. The program is open to nonprofits and government entities. Since 2017, AARP has invested $20.1 million through 1,700 grants to organizations in all 50 states, D.C, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to fund projects that benefit local residents (especially those 50 and older).
 
To see examples of grants that have been awarded in Alaska, go to our Alaska Community Challenge Grant booklet, “Investing in Alaska Communities”  aarp-community-challenge-grant-booklet-2024-int.pdf
 
In 2025, the AARP Community Challenge  www.AARP.org/CommunityChallenge is accepting applications across 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 

Capacity-Building Microgrants

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

Demonstration Grants

• Supporting demonstration efforts that encourage replication of promising local efforts, this grant opportunity will accept applications for:
  • Enhancing pedestrian safety with funding support from Toyota Motor North America
  • Expanding high-speed internet (broadband) access and adoption with funding support from Microsoft
  • Reconnecting communities divided by infrastructure
  • Housing design competitions 

For specific details on these grant opportunities, go to  www.AARP.org/CommunityChallenge. The deadline for eligible applications is March 5, 1:00 p.m. Alaska time. All applications must be submitted through www.AARP.org/CommunityChallenge and projects must be completed by December 15, 2025.
 
And last, but not least, here is a link to a webinar Summary - 2025 AARP Community Challenge Q&A Webinar on 1/29 at 10 am Alaska time by the national office for anyone interested in completing a Community Challenge Grant application. This webinar will:

• Describe the 2025 Community Challenge grant program
• Explain the application process
• Highlight the work of a few past grantees who jump-started long-term change in their communities
• Answer questions from attendees.

Please share this information with those in your community who might be interested in applying!