AARP Community Challenge Grant: Flagship Grant

AARP Community Challenge Grant: Flagship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: AARP Foundation
Amount: Up to US $25,000
Last Updated: January 27, 2026

Summary

The AARP Community Challenge Grant supports projects that enhance community living for residents aged 50 and older. With a focus on immediate improvements and long-term progress, grants range from $10,000 to $25,000, covering areas like public spaces, transportation, and digital literacy. Since 2017, AARP has awarded over $20.1 million through more than 1,700 grants across the U.S. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and government entities committed to serving the needs of older adults.

Overview

NOTE: Here are the additional grants associated with this opportunity. Here is the Capacity-Building Microgrant 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 the program's debut in 2017, AARP has awarded $20.1 million through over 1,700 grants. Projects have been completed across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Flagship Grant Flagship AARP Community Challenge grants have ranged from several hundred dollars for smaller, short-term activities to tens of thousands of dollars for larger projects. Since 2017, AARP has funded projects with an average grant amount of $10,000 to $12,000. Nine out of 10 grants (or 92 percent) are for $20,000 or less. This year, grants will not exceed $25,000. AARP also reserves the right to award compelling projects of any dollar amount. We are accepting applications for projects that benefit residents — especially those age 50 and older — in the following categories: Creating vibrant public places that improve open spaces, parks and access to other amenities.Delivering a range of transportation and mobility options that increase connectivity, walkability, bikeability and access to public and private transitSupporting a range of housing options that increases the availability of accessible and affordable choicesIncreasing digital connections and enhancing digital literacy skills of residentsSupporting community resilience through investments that improve disaster management, preparedness and mitigation for residents

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