AARP Community Challenge grant program accepting applications for 2020

AARP has opened applications for the 2020 AARP Community Challenge grant program to fund quick-action projects that spark change across the country.

Now in its fourth year, the program is part of AARP’s nationwide work on Livable Communities. Grants can range from several hundred dollars for small, short-term activities to several thousand, or tens of thousands for larger projects.

“We are thrilled to bring this grant opportunity back to Virginia in 2020 and we encourage all eligible organizations to apply,” said AARP Virginia State President Carol Downs. “We’ve seen tangible results from the AARP Community Challenge grant program supporting communities in Virginia as they make quick changes and inspire long-term progress.”

The AARP Community Challenge is open to 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(6) nonprofits and government entities. Other types of organizations will be considered on a case-by-case basis. AARP will prioritize projects with permanent or temporary solutions that aim to achieve one or more of the following outcomes:

• Increase civic engagement with innovative and tangible projects.New in 2020, this category is intended to bring residents and local leaders together to address challenges and facilitate a greater sense of community inclusion and diversity;
• Create vibrant public placesthat improve open spaces, parks and access to other amenities;
• Deliver a range of transportation and mobility optionsthat increase connectivity, walkability, bikeability, wayfinding, access to transportation options and roadway improvements;
• Support the availability of a range of housingthat increases accessible and affordable housing options;
• Demonstrate the tangible value of “Smart Cities”with programs that engage residents in accessing, understanding and using data, and participating in decision-making to increase quality of life for all; and,
• Other innovative projects to improve the community.

Since 2017, AARP has awarded 376 grants through the AARP Community Challenge to nonprofit organizations and government entities representing 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Visit www.AARP.org/CommunityChallenge to see some of the 2019 winners in action.

The 2020 application deadline is 11:59 p.m. ET, April 1, 2020, and all projects must be completed by November 9, 2020. To submit an application or learn more, visit www.AARP.org/CommunityChallenge.

AARP Virginia works in collaboration with communities across the state, bringing people together, and providing resources and expertise to help make Virginia counties, towns and cities great places to live for people of all ages.

With more than 1 million members in Virginia, AARP is the largest organization working on behalf of people age 50+ and their families in the Commonwealth.

To learn more about AARP Virginia, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/aarpvirginia and follow @AARPVa on Twitter at www.twitter.com/aarpva.