AARP Alabama announces 2024 Community Challenge Grants

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 26, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT:
Jamie Harding, JHarding@aarp.org, 205-470-1265
 
Montgomery, Ala. —Today, AARP announced four organizations throughout Alabama will receive 2024 Community Challenge grants – part of AARP’s largest investment in communities to date with $3.8 million awarded among 343 organizations nationwide. Grantees will implement quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; and more, with an emphasis on the needs of adults ages 50 and older.

“AARP Alabama is committed to working with local leaders, advocates and policymakers to make our communities better places to live for Alabamians of all ages, especially those 50 and older,” said Candi Williams, AARP Alabama State Director. “We are proud to collaborate with this year’s grantees as they make immediate improvements to address long-standing and emerging challenges across our communities.”

Here in Alabama, projects funded include:

Aliceville Public Library- This project will provide consistent, reliable computer use to older adults, many who will have access to internet services for the first time. The project aims to improve their knowledge base and provide cultural growth.

Cleburne County Chamber of Commerce Farmers Market- This project will allow residents and visitors to access the Farmers Market with ease by providing ADA-compliant sidewalks and handicapped-accessible parking pads.

Community Service Programs of West Alabama, Inc.- This project will facilitate in person digital foundation skills classes. Participants will learn basic lessons in the operation of devices, cyber security, and how to access disaster emergency information applications.

Montgomery County Commission- This project aims to conduct two bike audits in the regions that surround Montgomery.

This year, AARP awarded three different grant opportunities, including flagship grants, capacity-building microgrants for improving walkability, bikeability and accessible home modifications, and demonstration grants that focus on equitable engagement to reconnect communities, housing choice design competitions and improving digital connections to endure disasters.

With funding support from Toyota Motor North America, the program is increasing its investment in pedestrian safety projects that will improve streets and sidewalks, create vibrant pedestrian infrastructure, engage community members and much more. AARP is also bolstering its investment in community resilience, rural communities, and addressing disparities.

“Whether it’s helping people access high speed internet or protecting public transit riders from rain and snow, small community projects can have a big impact on people of all ages,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer. “AARP Community Challenge grantees make our commitment to creating better places to live a reality through quick, innovative solutions.”

The grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for people of all ages, with an emphasis on people ages 50 and older. Since 2017, AARP Alabama has awarded 30 grants and nearly $365,000 through the program to nonprofit organizations and government entities across the state.

AARP Community Challenge grant projects will be funded in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. True to the program’s quick-action nature, projects must be completed by December 15, 2024.

View the full list of grantees and their project descriptions at aarp.org/communitychallenge and learn more about AARP’s livable communities work at aarp.org/livable.

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About AARP
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.