Grants Help Make Idaho Communities More Livable

Communities across the Gem State are working each and every day to become more livable for residents of all ages.

In support of that work, AARP is excited to provide funding to organizations through the AARP Community Challenge. Now in its third year, these “quick action” grants are being distributed to 159 organizations, with at least one in every state, Washington D.C, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, including right here in Idaho.

The Community Challenge grants fund innovative projects that can inspire change in areas such as transportation, open spaces, housing, smart cities and more.

The Community Challenge 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.

After funding 217 projects between 2017 and 2018, AARP has increased its investment to nearly $1.6 million for 159 projects this year.

Here in Idaho, we are excited about the work that the Community Challenge Grants are supporting this year.

City of Driggs
$8,000 - Purchase and installation of outdoor community games in a new public plaza in downtown Driggs. The goal is to integrate and improve socialization for citizens of all ages.

Valley of the Tetons Library
$5,000 – Modification of the exterior of the Victor library building to add an outdoor reading space and provide better access during winter months .

Idaho Walk Bike Alliance
$5,850 – Purchase and distribution of pop-up demonstration materials for rural communities designed to improve road safety using citizen feedback and firsthand neighborhood knowledge.

Kaniksu Land Trust Sandpoint
$5,000 – Construction of a half-mile loop trail in the Pine Street Woods with seating to support community members who may have mobility issues.

To learn more about the work being funded by the AARP Community Challenge both here in Idaho as well as across the nation, visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge. And to learn more about how AARP is working to make communities across the Gem State and across the U.S. more livable for all residents, visit aarp.org/livable.