AARP Idaho Awards $49K in Grants to Four Organizations

AARP Awards Grants to Four Organizations in Idaho as Part of Nationwide Program to Make Communities More Livable

Today, AARP announced four organizations throughout Idaho 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 Idaho is committed to working with local leaders, advocates and policymakers to make our communities better places to live for Idahoans of all ages, especially those 50 and older,” said Lupe Wissel, AARP Idaho 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.”

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 Idaho has awarded 30 grants and $329,138 through the program to nonprofit organizations and government entities across the state.

In Idaho, projects funded include:

$6,000 - City of Cascade

The city will add benches to a two-mile paved trail, improving accessibility for older adults who use it for walking, running, observing nature and socializing.

“The City of Cascade will be spending the AARP funds on benches for The Strand trail. This need was identified by the Cascade Mobility team as a community priority. The seating will allow trail users to rest and relax along the trail.”
Judith R Nissula
City of Cascade Mayor

$15,000 - City of Marsing

The city will install an outdoor fitness court, which will be available free of charge to residents of all ages and abilities. To make the space inviting, the city will also create a mural.

“We are thrilled to share that the Owyhee Health Coalition in partnership with the City of Marsing and Marsing School District are part of the 343 grantees selected to receive a 2024 AARP Community Challenge grant from @AARPLivableCommunities and @AARPIdaho! We are incredibly proud that AARP selected us for this investment to make Owyhee County more livable for residents of all ages. Funding from this $15k grant will go toward the new Owyhee County Fitness Court installation.”
Hailee Ketchum
Owyhee Health Coalition

$13,000 - City of Salmon

The city will improve safety and accessibility by resurfacing worn-out pickleball courts with new concrete or asphalt. The courts are particularly popular with older adult residents.

“The City of Salmon is excited to share that we have been selected to receive a 2024 AARP Community Challenge grant from @AARPLivableCommunities and @AARPIdaho! This incredible opportunity will help our community rebuild and replace our existing pickleball courts. We are extremely proud and grateful that AARP selected us for this investment to make Salmon and its recreational areas more functional for residents of all ages. Funding from this $13k grant will help the city complete the new pickleball court at Salmon City Park.”
Amy Fealko
Finance Director, City of Salmon

$15,000 - LEAP Housing

This project will renovate an affordable housing community for older adults, keeping rent affordable and allowing residents to age in place. Renovations will maintain common areas and upgrade building systems, such as plumbing, electrical and fire protection.

“Thanks to AARP's Challenge grant, 66 senior residents at LEAP Housing's Golden Glow Tower in Nampa, ID will be able to have a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home and age-in-place. AARP is supporting needed improvements to the building, ensuring that generations of Nampa area seniors will have an affordable place to call home for years to come.”
Zeb Moers
Director of Development

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.”

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.

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.