AARP Community Challenge Grants Invest in Kentucky

AARP investing $55,000 in Kentucky communities as part of nationwide grant program 

Five communities across Kentucky are getting a boost in their work to become more livable for residents of all ages. Since 2017, AARP Kentucky has awarded 36 grants and $365,516 through the program to nonprofit organizations and government entities across the state.

Each year, AARP works in partnership with local leaders, organizations, and dedicated residents to help make that vision a reality. As part of that effort, AARP is excited to announce the largest investment of grant dollars to date through the AARP Community Challenge grant program. More than $3.8 million in quick-action grants are being distributed to 343 projects across all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The AARP Community Challenge funds innovative projects that inspire change in areas such as public places; housing; transportation; and more. In 2024, AARP is bolstering its investment in digital connectivity, community resilience, rural communities, and addressing disparities. With additional funding support provided by Toyota Motor North America, the program is also increasing its investment in pedestrian safety projects that will improve streets and sidewalks, create vibrant pedestrian infrastructure, engage community members and much more.

AARP Kentucky is incredibly proud to have five projects granted right here in our state. Our goal is to support their efforts to create great places for people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities. As local leaders seek to better their communities for the future, this becomes even more critical.

The program is funding projects across three different grant opportunities, including flagship grants, capacity-building microgrants, and demonstration grants. Here in Kentucky, these exciting projects were funded:

• Bowling Green: HOTEL INC
This project will conduct trainings on home safety, focusing on the needs of older adults. The organization will also create a display demonstrating affordable, accessible products to allow residents to age in place. (Capacity-Building Microgrant)

• Jenkins: Appalshop, Inc.
This project will repair sidewalks, install benches and add community art along two downtown corridors frequented by older residents. (Flagship Grant)

• Liberty: Casey County Public Library
The library will create a story walk — a series of displays along an accessible path designed to display pages from a storybook. The project responds to local grandparents’ requests for more activities they can do with their grandchildren. (Flagship Grant)

• Mount Sterling: Gateway Regional Arts Center
This project will transform an unused downtown plot into an accessible garden featuring paths, benches, sculptures and flowers. The space is near an assisted living facility and a new senior center. (Flagship Grant)

• West Point: West Point Revitalization Committee
This project will install ADA-compliant sidewalks and benches, making a local park more accessible to older adults and visitors with mobility challenges. The museum in the park welcomes 200 visitors each month, many of whom are older adults. (Flagship Grant)

The Community Challenge grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide work on livable communities, which supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and counties across the country to become great places for all residents. We believe that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; affordable and accessible housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents to participate in community life.

To learn more about the work being funded by the AARP Community Challenge both here in Kentucky as well as across the nation, visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge. You can also view the AARP Livable Communities Map – a free, interactive tool with information on the more than 1,700 AARP Community Challenge grantees and more than 800 members in the Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.