Deadline: 22-Mar-22
The AARP is seeking applications for its 2022 Community Challenge that provides small grants to fund quick-action projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages.
Applications are accepted for projects to improve public spaces, housing, transportation, civic engagement, support diversity, equity and inclusion; build engagement for programs under new federal laws; and pursue innovative ideas that support people age 50 or older.
Project Categories
AARP will prioritize projects that support residents age 50 or over, are inclusive, address disparities, directly engage volunteers and aim to achieve one or more of the following outcome areas:
- 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 increases the availability of accessible and affordable choices
- 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 including 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
Project Types
- Permanent physical improvements in the community
- Temporary demonstrations that lead to long-term change
- New, innovative programming or services
Funding Information
- Grants have ranged from several hundred dollars for smaller, short-term activities to tens of thousands of dollars for larger projects.
- The average grant amount is $11,500 and 76 percent of grants have been under $15,000. While AARP reserves the right to award compelling projects of any dollar amount, the largest grant ever awarded by the AARP Community Challenge was $50,000.
Eligibility Criteria
- The program is open to the following types of programs:
- 501(C)(3), 501(C)(4) and 501(c)(6) nonprofits
- Government entities
- Other types of organizations will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- Community Criteria
- Although communities that belong to the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities are encouraged to apply, projects that benefit any community and satisfy all other criteria are eligible for consideration.
Ineligibility Criteria
- Partisan, political or election-related activities
- Planning activities and assessments and surveys of communities without tangible engagement
- Studies with no follow-up action
- Publication of books or reports
- Acquisition of land and/or buildings or a vehicle purchase
- Sponsorships of other organizations’ events or activities
- Research and development for a nonprofit endeavor
- Research and development for a for-profit endeavor
- The promotion of a for-profit entity and/or its products and services
For more information, visit https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/community-challenge/info-2022/2022-challenge.html