Oregonians with an idea to make their community more livable are urged to apply for the AARP Challenge Grant

Oregonians with a great idea who need a little cash to make their communities more vibrant and friendlier might get some help from AARP this year.

The AARP Community Challenge 2020 grant applications are now open. Nonprofits and government agencies are invited to apply for funding. “People who live in community are in the best position to know what the needs are, and the Challenge Grants provide some funding to help spark innovative solutions right here in Oregon,” said AARP Oregon State Director Ruby Haughton-Pitts.

The types of projects eligible for funding include permanent physical improvements in the community; demonstrations projects that lead to long-term change, and new, innovative programs or services. For example, in 2019, Salem created pop-up summer programs that were free to all ages and abilities. In 2017 Port Orford received funding topurchase and placement of benches with attached planters to provide pedestrians with places to sit.

Grant amounts have ranged from hundreds of dollars to tens of thousands of dollars for large projects. In the last three years, AARP has awarded $3.6 million to communities or organizations across the country among 376 projects.

“It’s exciting to see the ideas that come from community members and we are thrilled that AARP is investing in communities large and small to make them more livable for people of all ages and abilities,” said Haughton-Pitts.

More information and the application form can be found at AARP.org/CommunityChallenge

The 2019 Oregon winners were:

• Portland: APANO Communities United FundThis new pilot program engaged elders in the Jade District and teach them to use technology to increase mobility and connect to community resources.
• Salem: Center 50+/City of SalemThis project activated a vacant downtown storefront to create a pop-up summer program that is free and available to people of all ages and abilities. It will also provide hands-on educational opportunities to help assist citizens, especially seniors, with navigating the public transit system and downtown wayfinding.
• Talent: Talent Maker CityThis project improved older adults' engagement with the downtown community by using innovative intergenerational programming focused on empowering older adults to use STEAM skills such as carpentry, screenprinting and more in the city's downtown "maker space."