AARP Community Challenge 2017 Grantees

Facebook Twitter

For the first-ever AARP Community Challenge, AARP received almost 1,200 applications, resulting in a highly competitive selection process. As a "quick action" grant, the winners were

announced on September 7 and given a completion deadline of November 1, 2017. 

Scroll down to see the list of 88 winning grantees, through which AARP invested nearly $780,000 to create change and improve quality of life for people of all ages in communities across the

nation. Each project (several of which are featured in this slideshow and in the free AARP publication Where We Live) delivered on one or all of the following:

through the built environment for people of all ages and abilitiesExpand work, volunteer, educational and/or training opportunities for all residentsDrive inclusive community engagement and

interaction across a diverse population

The list of 2017 grantees is organized by state and then city, followed by the name of the grantee organization. (See a list of some of the 2017 grantees organized by category.)

Three additional projects not listed below but located in Fort Worth, Texas; Buffalo, New York; and Fort Wayne, Indiana, received support from AARP and the urban planners of Team Better

Block.

The Better Block projects, as well as the projects listed below with a [WWL], are featured in the 2018 edition of Where We Live.   AlabamaBirmingham: REV Birmingham  The nonprofit, its

partners and stakeholders conducted pop-up demonstration projects to show how improved street safety and traffic flow for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians can be an economic catalyst in

the city’s Woodlawn neighborhood and commercial district.Mobile: Victory Teaching Farm  The Center for Family and Community Development installed ramps and raised garden beds so people of

all ages and abilities can participate in farm activities. AlaskaAnchorage: Alaska Trails  Grant funds helped involve residents in decisions to improve the built environment and create

active transportation options for people of all ages and ability levels.  ArizonaChino Valley: Yavapai Regional Transit Inc. The grant was used to install a much-needed ADA-compliant

walkway, bench and bus stop shelter. [WWL] Photo AlbumPhoenix: Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc. Funding was provided for the installation of a crosswalk near a busy, six-lane intersection in the

city’s Maryvale neighborhood ArkansasFayetteville: Sources for Community Independent Living Services An open house educational event was held to raise awareness among residents and leaders

about the importance of lifelong housing options and accessible housing for all.  CaliforniaFontana: City of FontanaFunding was provided to purchase materials in support of Fontana Walks, an

initiative that encourages residents of all ages to walk a collective “2 Billion Steps” (or 1 million miles) in 365 days.