AARP Community Challenge Grant: Demonstration Grant

AARP Community Challenge Grant: Demonstration Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: AARP Foundation
Amount: US $10,000 - US $25,000
Last Updated: January 22, 2026

Summary

The AARP Community Challenge Grant supports innovative projects that enhance community livability for people aged 50 and older. Funded by the AARP Foundation, these demonstration grants range from $10,000 to $25,000 and aim to improve pedestrian safety, expand broadband access, and reconnect divided communities. Since 2017, AARP has awarded over $20 million in grants, fostering immediate improvements and long-term progress across the United States, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Overview

NOTE: Here are the additional grants associated with this opportunity. Here is the Flagship Grant page.Here is the Capacity-Building Microgrant 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. Demonstration Grant These grants support projects that can be replicated in other communities. Awards typically range from $10,000 to $20,000 and will not exceed $25,000. Eligible projects should benefit residents — especially those age 50 and older — in at least one of the following categories: Pedestrian Safety: Improve the safety of streets and sidewalks; funding support from Toyota Motor North America.High-Speed Internet: Increase broadband access and adoption; funding support from Microsoft.Housing Design Competitions: Promote understanding and implementation of housing policies that support a variety of community needs using the AARP Housing Design Competition 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