Mountain State projects have benefited from nearly $200,000 in past AARP Community Challenge Grant awards, supporting quick-action community projects –
CHARLESTON – AARP West Virginia invites community organizations and local government across the Mountain State to apply for AARP’s 2024 Community Challenge grant program. The grant program, now in its eighth year, 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 nonprofits and government entities. Other types of organizations will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Grants can range from several hundred dollars for small, short-term activities to several thousand dollars for larger projects.
In 2024, 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, and must be completed by December 15, 2024.
- Capacity-building microgrants are paired with additional resources, such as one-on-one coaching, webinars, cohort learning opportunities and more for improving walkability, bikeability and implementing safe, accessible home modifications.
- Demonstration grants focus on improving digital connections to prepare and respond to disasters; reconnecting communities divided by infrastructure; and housing choice design competitions.
- Flagship grants support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; diversity, equity and inclusion; civic engagement; community health and economic empowerment; and new this year community resilience; and digital connections.
Since 2017, AARP has awarded $16.4 million in Community Challenge Grants to nonprofit organizations and government entities representing every state and U.S. territory, including West Virginia community projects in Brooke, Fayette, Greenbrier, Kanawha, Lincoln, Marion, Monongalia, Ohio, Pocahontas, Preston, Putnam, Summers, Taylor and Tucker counties. The application deadline is 5:00 p.m. ET, Wednesday, March 6, 2024. To submit applications, or for more information on the program, visit www.aarp.org/CommunityChallenge.