AARP Community Challenge Grant Program is Now Open

With one month left before the deadline, AARP is encouraging community organizations and local governments to apply for its 2021 Community Challenge grant program.

The grant program funds quick-action projects, no matter how big or small, that aims to improve cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for people of all ages.

“We are excited to see the ideas people and organizations have to improve their own communities and want to encourage eligible organizations to apply,” said AARP Hawaii State Director Keali’i Lopez.

“We’ve seen great results from the Community Challenge grant program in communities across Hawai`i, and this year we are increasing our support for projects that focus on diversity and inclusion and aid in local recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.”

Since 2017, the non-profit organization has awarded 560 grants nationally with 10 grants worth more than $112,000 given to Hawaii projects.

AARP will prioritize projects that deliver inclusive solutions that benefit diverse populations. The project should aim to achieve one of the following results:

– Create vibrant public places
– Deliver a range of transportation and mobility options
– Support a range of housing options
– Increase civic engagement and demonstrate the tangible value of “Smart Cities”
– Support local recovery from the coronavirus pandemic
– Ensure a focus on diversity and inclusion
– Other community improvements

The 2021 Community Challenge application deadline is at 8pm EST on April 14. All projects must be completed by November 10, 2021.

For those interested to apply, submit an application through AARP.org/CommunityChallenge.

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they