AARP Community Challenge grant program seeking applicants

AARP Wisconsin, is inviting community organizations and local governments across the state, to apply for the 2021 AARP Community Challenge grant program, now through April 14. These grants will fund “quick-action” projects that spark change across Wisconsin, and the entire country.

Now in its fifth year, the program 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 people of all ages.

Grants can range from several hundred dollars for small, short-term activities, to several thousand, or tens of thousands for larger projects.

“We’ve seen tangible results from the AARP Community Challenge grant program, supporting communities in Wisconsin,” said AARP Wisconsin state director Sam Wilson, “as they make quick changes and inspire long-term progress.”

The program provides direct support to all community types, with nearly 40 percent of past projects benefitting rural communities, 20 percent going to suburban locations and 40 percent improving urban places.

Granted projects have demonstrated an ability to garner additional funds or support, from public and private funders, encourage replication, overcome local policy barriers, and receive greater overall awareness and engagement.

AARP will prioritize proposals that are inclusive, directly engage volunteers and aim to achieve one or more of the following outcomes:

• Ensure a focus on diversity and inclusion, while improving the built and social environment of a community.

• Support local recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, with an emphasis on economic development, improvements to public spaces and transportation services.

• 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, bike-ability, wayfinding, access to transportation options and roadway improvements.

• Support a range of housing options that increase the availability of accessible and affordable choices.

• Increase civic engagement and demonstrate the tangible value of “Smart Cities,” with innovative and tangible projects, that bring residents and local leaders together, to address challenges and facilitate a greater sense of inclusion.

In addition to these outcomes, AARP welcomes submissions that describe other local needs and innovative ideas for addressing them.

The Community Challenge is open to 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(6) nonprofi ts, and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis.

The application deadline is 7 p.m., April 14. All projects must be completed by Nov. 10. To submit an application and view past grantees, visit AARP.org/CommunityChallenge.