Now Open! 2026 Community Challenge Grant Applications.

Do you have an idea to make your community an even better place to live?

Now's your chance to make it happen because the 2026 AARP Community Challenge Grant program is now open. Eligible organizations and governments across the state are encouraged to apply before Wednesday, March 4.

Building great communities takes time - but small, tangible improvements can spark lasting change.

Now in its tenth year, AARP Community Challenge grants fund quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connections and more.

“We are thrilled to open the AARP Community Challenge program once again," said Erik Gaikowski, AARP South Dakota State Director. "This program is a critical part of how AARP South Dakota works with local residents, advocates and policymakers to make our communities better places to live for people of all ages. The Community Challenge program has proven that quick-action projects can lead to long-term change, especially for South Dakotans 50 and over.”

The AARP Community Challenge program, which is open to 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations and government entities, is offering three distinct funding tracks to help communities become more livable for people of all ages – especially those 50 and older.

• Flagship grants support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; and disaster resilience. Awards range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000.
  
• Capacity-building microgrants are $2,500 grants paired with expert support, webinars and cohort learning. Focus areas include walk audits, bike audits, HomeFit Guide modifications, and disaster preparedness training.
  
• Demonstration grants are designed to replicate promising local efforts. Topics include pedestrian safety (funding support from Toyota Motor North America); high-speed internet (funding support from Microsoft); and housing design competitions. Awards typically range from $10,000-$20,000 and will not exceed $25,000.

Since 2017, AARP has funded 2,100 projects by nonprofit organizations and government entities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands – including more than $414,000 through 40 projects in South Dakota communities. The program provides direct support to all community types, including rural, suburban and urban communities with a special focus on the needs of those 50 and older.

Interested in what other communities have done? Check out this report on past SD Community Challenge grantees.
A Review of SD Community Challenge Grantees
AARP South Dakota collaborates with communities across the state, bringing people together and providing resources and expertise to help make South Dakota an even better place to live for people of all ages. Past community challenge grants across the state have supported safe walking and biking trails, park improvement projects, community gardens and more.

The application deadline is 5:00 p.m. Eastern, March 4, 2026 (4:00 p.m. Central/3:00 p.m. Mountain). All projects must be completed by December 15, 2026. To apply and view past grantees, visit www.AARP.org/CommunityChallenge.