2023 AARP Community Challenge

The AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to fund quick-action projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages. In 2023, the AARP Community Challenge is accepting applications across three different grant opportunities, two of which are new this year.  Organizations are eligible to apply for more than one grant opportunity and may submit multiple applications. The available grants are as follows:

• Flagship Grants: The flagship AARP Community Challenge grants range from several hundred dollars for smaller, short-term activities to tens of thousands for larger projects. Since 2017, AARP has funded projects ranging from $500 to $50,000 with an average grant amount of $11,900 (83 percent of grants have been under $20,000.) Projects can create vibrant public spaces, deliver a range of transportation and mobility options, support housing options, ensure a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, increase digital connections by expanding high-speed internet and enhancing the digital literacy skills of residents, support community resilience, increase civic engagement, and/or improve community health and economic empowerment. 

• Capacity-Building Microgrants: By combining $2,500 grants with additional resources — such as webinars, AARP Livable Communities publications, cohort learning opportunities and/or up to two hours of one-on-one coaching with leading national organizations — this new grant opportunity will benefit residents (especially those age 50 or older) that provide 1) Walkability, through a walk audit to assess and enhance the safety of a street or neighborhood, and 2) Community Gardens, to start or enhance a community garden using the AARP publication "Creating Community Gardens for People of All Ages."

• Demonstration Grants: By supporting demonstration efforts that encourage the replication of promising local efforts, this new grant opportunity will benefit residents (especially those age 50 and older) by 1) Advancing solutions that build capacity towards transportation systems change, and 2) Implementing accessory dwelling unity (ADU) design competitions that increase public understanding of this housing option and encourage the implementation of ADU supportive policies. 

Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofits, government entities, or another type of organization, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The project type may be used to support three projects: 1) Permanent physical improvements, 2) Temporary demonstrations that lead to long-term change, or 3) New, innovative programming pilots or services. AARP will evaluate each project based on its consistency with the AARP mission to serve the needs of people 50-plus.