About the 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 $24.3 million through 2,100 grants. Projects have been completed across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Learn more about the three grant opportunities and much more by visiting AARP.org/CommunityChallenge.
2026 Timeline
January 7: Application opens
January 27: Public Q&A Webinar at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT (REGISTER HERE)
March 4: Applications due by 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT
May: All applicants will be notified of their status by email
June 24: Public announcement of the selected grantees — and work on projects begins!
December 15: All projects must be completed
December 31: Deadline for after-action reports
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