AARP Washington Announces Grant Opportunity for Quick-Action Community Improvement Projects

We know that it takes time to build great communities. But we also believe that tangible improvements can spark long-term change. AARP launched the Community Challenge in 2017 to fund projects that build momentum to improve livability nationwide. We are excited to announce the program is back in 2022 for its sixth year and is currently accepting applications online through March 22 (see below).

The AARP Community Challenge’s focus on tangible projects, community engagement and its “quick action” timeline helps selected grantees fast-track their ideas and replicate promising practices. Previous projects have demonstrated an ability to garner additional funds or support from public and private funders, encourage innovation, overcome local policy barriers, and receive greater overall awareness and engagement.

The grant program is open to 501c3, 501c4, and 501c6 nonprofits 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 several thousand or tens of thousands for larger projects.

AARP will prioritize projects that support residents aged 50 and over, are inclusive, address disparities, directly engage volunteers, and aim to achieve one or more of the following outcomes (with a focus on people and 50 and older):

• Create vibrant public places that improve open spaces, parks, and access to other amenities.
• Deliver a range of transportation and mobility options that increase connectivity, walkability, bikeability, wayfinding, access to transportation options, and roadway improvements.
• Support a range of housing options that increase the availability of accessible and affordable options.
• Ensure a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion while improving the built and social environment of a community.
• Support communities’ efforts to build engagement and leverage funding available under new federal programs through laws like the American Rescue Plan Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and more.
• Increase civic engagement with innovative and tangible projects that bring residents and local leaders together to address challenges and facilitate a greater sense of inclusion.
• Other community improvements including health services, community development, and coronavirus pandemic recovery

“We are thrilled to bring this grant opportunity back to Washington in 2022 and we encourage all eligible organizations to apply,” said Amanda Frame, who directs outreach for AARP Washington. “We’ve seen great results from the AARP Community Challenge grant program supporting communities across Washington as they make tangible improvements that spark long-term change.”

Since 2017, the Community Challenge has funded 800 projects nationwide, including 15 in Washington state.

The Community Challenge grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities, and counties across the country to become great places to live for people of all ages. We believe that communities should provide residents of all ages (especially people aged 50 and older) safe, walkable streets; affordable and accessible housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities to participate in community life.

The application deadline for the 2022 grant cycle is Tuesday, March 22, 2022 (8 p.m. Pacific Time). All projects must be completed by November 30, 2022.

To apply and/or learn more about the work being funded by the Community Challenge, here in Washington as well as across the nation, visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge. You can also view an interactive map of all Community Challenge projects and AARP Washington’s livable communities work at aarp.org/livable.

Contributor Christina Clem is a communications specialist with AARP Washington. For information about AARP activities in Washington state, visit states.aarp.org/washington.

Infographic at the top of the page courtesy of AARP Washington.