AARP Community Challenge Grant: Capacity-Building Microgrant

AARP Community Challenge Grant: Capacity-Building Microgrant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: AARP Foundation
Amount: US $2,500
Last Updated: January 22, 2026

Summary

The AARP Community Challenge Grant: Capacity-Building Microgrant offers $2,500 to support projects that enhance community livability for residents aged 50 and older. Initiated in 2017, it has funded over 1,700 projects nationwide, focusing on immediate improvements and long-term progress. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and government entities, aiming to implement innovative programs in areas like disaster preparedness, walkability, and home modifications. This initiative fosters inclusive communities and empowers older adults.

Overview

NOTE: Here are the additional grants associated with this opportunity. Here is the Flagship Grant page.Here is the Demonstration Grant page. AARP Community Challenge The AARP Community Challenge grant program is part of the nationwide AARP Livable Communities initiative that helps communities become great places to live for residents of all ages. The program is intended to help communities make immediate improvements and jump-start long-term progress. Since its debut in 2017, the AARP Community Challenge has invested $24.3 million in 2,100 livability projects, with a focus on meeting the needs of adults age 50 or older, throughout the United States. Capacity-Building Microgrants These $2,500 microgrants come with added support, including webinars, cohort learning, up to two hours of coaching from national nonprofit organizations working with AARP to support the AARP Community Challenge program, and AARP resources. Eligible projects should benefit residents — especially those age 50 and older — in at least one of the following categories: Walk Audits: Conduct walkability assessments with support from America Walks and using the AARP Walk Audit Tool Kit. Bike Audits: Conduct bikeability assessments with support from The League of American Bicyclists and using the AARP Bike Audit Tool Kit. HomeFit Modifications: Implement education, simple home modifications and accessible safety solutions to create and maintain “lifelong homes,” especially for people age 50-plus, with support from the RL Mace Universal Design Institute and using the AARP HomeFit Guide. Disaster Preparedness: Implement disaster preparedness training programs and resources for residents, especially those age 50-plus, with support from SBP and using the AARP Disaster Resilience Tool Kit.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Each project must satisfy the guidelines as described above and the following Organization Type, Mission Focus and Project Type criteria to be eligible:Organization Type: The program is open to the following types of organizations:501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6). Nonprofit organizations must be recognized by the IRS to receive funds. Government entities Other types of organizations considered on a case-by-case basisMission Focus: AARP will evaluate each project based on its consistency with the AARP mission to serve the needs of people age 50-plus.Project Type: The project types described below will be prioritized over those that support ongoing programming or events.Permanent physical improvements in the community Temporary demonstrations that lead to long-term change New, innovative programming pilots or servicesEligible organizations may apply for more than one grant opportunity and may submit multiple applications.

Ineligibility

Funds will not be provided to any for-profit company, nor individuals. However, AARP does allow for IRS recognized tax-exempt nonprofit organizations or government entities to serve as fiscal sponsors of grants.Projects that are not eligible for funding:Partisan, political or election-related activities Planning activities and assessments and surveys of communities without tangible engagementStudies with no follow-up action Publication of books or reports Acquisition of land and/or buildings Purchase of a vehicle or mechanical equipment (such as a car, truck, bus, snow mobile, snow grooming machine or tractor) 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