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PORTLAND – Organizations and governments may apply for the 2023 AARP Community Challenge grant program, which supports quick-action projects that help communities become more livable in the long-term by improving public spaces, transportation, housing, civic engagement, diversity and inclusion, and more.
Deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 15. All projects must be completed by Nov. 30.
The program is part of AARP’s 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. The Community Challenge is open to eligible nonprofit organizations and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Grants range from several hundred dollars to tens of thousands.
“AARP Maine is committed to helping communities across the state become great places to live and thrive for people of all ages with an emphasis on people age 50 and older,” said Noël Bonam, AARP Maine state director. “The Community Challenge has proven that quick-action projects can lead to long-lasting improvements enhancing Mainers’ quality of life and enabling people of all ages to thrive in the places they call home.”
In 2023, the AARP Community Challenge is accepting applications across three different grant opportunities, two of which are new this year. All projects must be consistent with AARP’s mission to serve the needs of people 50 and older along with other eligibility criteria. AARP will prioritize proposals that are inclusive, address disparities, and directly engage volunteers age 50 and older.
New programs are:
• Capacity-building microgrants paired with additional resources, such as one-on-one coaching, webinars, cohort learning opportunities and more for improving walkability and starting or expanding a community garden.
• Demonstration grants, with a portion focused on transportation improvements with funding support provided by Toyota Motor North America. Another portion of demonstration grants will focus on promoting greater awareness of the benefits of accessory dwelling units as a housing solution.
AARP will also offer grants under a flagship opportunity to support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; diversity, equity and inclusion; digital connections; community health and economic empowerment; and new this year community resilience; and civic engagement.
Since 2017, AARP has awarded more than $12.7 million to more than 1,060 projects nationwide, including 42 in Maine, through the Community Challenge. 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.
To submit an application and view past grantees, visit www.AARP.org/CommunityChallenge.
