AARP investing $69K in North Dakota communities as part of nationwide grant program 

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 North Dakota is incredibly proud to have seven 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 North Dakota, these exciting projects were funded:

· Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health received $15,000 to create a community mural to improve a pedestrian tunnel along the Bismarck parks/trail system. This mural provides long-desired improvement to the safety and aesthetics of the tunnel.

· The City of Grafton (on behalf of Grafton Beautification Committee) was provided a $15,000 grant to install interactive musical structures to promote physical activity, create a more attractive park, and benefit youth, families, seniors, and people with disabilities.

· The City of Mandan received $10,500 to install a network of quality bike racks across the core of Mandan to make it easier for residents and visitors to access the services and destinations in the area, including many that cater specifically to older adults.

· In the City of Napoleon a $10,000 grant will provide educational signage and benches along the city’s exercise trail to ensure the outdoor experience is safe and enjoyable to people of all ages and abilities.

· Strengthen ND received $10,500 to cultivate community identity in Souris by collecting elders' stories, inspiring future community development, and creating a physical space for the community to reflect and dream.

· Barnes County Historical Society/Museum will use its $4,000 grant to remove outdated audio-visual equipment at the local museum and replace it with an updated TV screen/monitor, larger/newer speakers, and microphones.

· The Bowman Theater received $4000 to purchase equipment that will allow all residents – especially older adults and the hearing impaired -- to more fully enjoy the local theater.

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 North Dakota 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.