AARP Community Challenge 2023 Grantees

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. 

Some $3.6 million is being distributed to fund 310 quick-action projects across the country, helping urban, rural and suburban communities make immediate improvements and jumpstart long-term progress to support residents of all ages.

In 2023, the AARP Community Challenge funded projects across three different grant opportunities, two of which were new, in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

The grants were used to improve public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; diversity, equity and inclusion; and more, with an emphasis on the needs of adults age 50 and older. AARP is also bolstering its investment in rural communities, mobility innovation, transportation options, and health and food access.

The selected projects are designed to achieve one or more of the following outcomes:

1. Flagship Grants

• Creating vibrant public places that improve open spaces, parks and access to other amenities; 

• Delivering a range of transportation and mobility options that increase connectivity, walkability, bikeability and access to public and private transit; 

• Supporting a range of housing options that increases the availability of accessible and affordable choices; 

• Ensuring a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion while improving the built and social environment of a community;

• Increase digital connections by expanding high-speed internet and enhancing digital literacy skills of residents;

• Support community resilience through investments that improve disaster management, preparedness and mitigation for residents;

• Increase civic engagement with innovative and tangible projects that bring residents and local leaders together to address challenges and facilitate a greater sense of inclusion;

• Improve community health and economic empowerment in support of financial well-being and improved health outcomes.

2. Capacity-Building Microgrants

By combining $2,500 grants with additional resources — such as webinars, AARP Livable Communities publications, one-on-one coaching with leading national organizations — the 2023 AARP Community Challenge Capacity-Building Microgrants benefit residents (especially those age 50 or older) in the following categories:

• Walkability: The selected grantees are receiving support to implement a community walk audit in order to assess and enhance the safety and walkability of a street or neighborhood with guidance from America Walks and the AARP Walk Audit Tool Kit.

• Community Gardens: The selected grantees are receiving support to create or enhance a community garden with guidance from 8 80 Cities and the AARP publication Creating Community Gardens for People of All Ages.

• Learn more and see this grantee list 

3. Demonstration Grants

By supporting demonstration efforts that encourage the replication of promising local efforts, this new grant opportunity benefits residents (especially those age 50 and older) by:

• Advancing solutions that build capacity toward transportation systems change with funding support provided by Toyota Motor North America.

• Implementing housing choice design competitions that increase public understanding of housing options and encourage the creation of housing-supportive policies. 

• Learn more and see this grantee list

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ALABAMA

• Athens: Athens Main Street 
  This project will provide age-friendly seating in the gathering area at the local farmers market, so that older patrons can relax, socialize and enjoy live musical performances. 

• Birmingham: AARP Chapter 4668 Central Birmingham
  The project will increase walkability in Birmingham neighborhoods by using walk audits to evaluate them. The data will be shared with community groups so they can see the challenges that residents aged 50+ face, and highlight the need for safer, more accessible streets, sidewalks, paths and trails. Capacity-Building Microgrant
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And the Grantees Are ...


Scroll down to see the 2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantees as organized by state and location, followed by the name of the grantee organization and a brief project description.


See separate lists for:

• Capacity-Building Microgrants
• Demonstration Grants

Projects had to be complete by November 30, 2023

“These grants continue to lead to long-term, positive changes in communities across the country. This year, we are proud to support the largest number of projects in the program’s seven-year history, which will improve residents’ quality of life through tangible changes so everyone can thrive as they age.”

— Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer

The 2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantees

• Read the eligibility requirements for the 2023 AARP Community Challenge