AARP to award over $8 million in grants

AARP Vermont invites local eligible nonprofit organizations and governments to apply for the 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant program, now through Wednesday, March 4, at 5 pm. AARP Community Challenge grants fund quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and more.

Now in its 10th year, AARP will double its investment, awarding over $8 million in grants as part of its nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods, and rural areas to become great places to live for all residents, especially those age 50 and older.

This year, the AARP Community Challenge is accepting applications across three different grant opportunities. All projects must be consistent with AARP’s mission to serve the needs of people 50 and older, along with other eligibility criteria.

• 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.

• Demonstration grants fund projects that encourage replication of exemplary local efforts. This year’s focus is on improving pedestrian safety, with funding support from Toyota Motor North America; expanding high-speed internet access and adoption, with funding support from Microsoft; and housing choice design competitions. Awards typically range from $10,000 to $20,000, not to exceed $25,000.

• Capacity-building microgrants are paired with expert support, webinars, and cohort learning for projects to improve walkability and bikeability; implement safe, accesible home modifications; and disaster preparedness training. Awards are $2,500.

Since 2017, AARP has invested $24.3 million toward 2,100 livability projects, including 40 in Vermont, across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands through the Community Challenge. The program aims to provide support to all community types, including rural, suburban, and urban communities, with a special focus on the needs of those 50 and older.

AARP Vermont works in collaboration with communities across the state, bringing people together, providing resources and expertise to help make Vermont’s counties, towns, and cities great places to live for people of all ages. AARP Vermont will be hosting an informational webinar and Q&A session on Friday, January 23, at 12 pm, on Zoom. More information and registration details can be found at events.aarp.org/vtccg26.

The Community Challenge is open to eligible 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Grants can range from several hundred dollars for small, short-term activities to tens of thousands for larger projects. All projects must be completed by Tuesday, December 15. To submit an application and view past grantees go to www.AARP.org/CommunityChallenge.