AARP Indiana Accepting 2022 Community Challenge Grant Applications

AARP Indiana invites local organizations and governments across the state to apply for the 2022 AARP Community Challenge grant program, now through March 22, 2022.

These grants fund quick-action projects that help communities become more livable in the long-term by improving public spaces, transportation, housing, civic engagement, coronavirus recovery, diversity and inclusion, and more. Now in its sixth year, the grant 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.

“We have seen across our state that these quick-action projects can lead to long-lasting improvements for Hoosiers,” said AARP State Director, Sarah Waddle. “We are excited to get the 2022 Community Challenge kicked-off and see what ideas are submitted to help make communities across Indiana become great places for people of all backgrounds, abilities and ages.”

Since 2017, the Community Challenge has funded over 800 projects nationwide, including 14 right here in Indiana. 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.

AARP will prioritize proposals that support residents age 50 and over, are inclusive, address disparities, directly engage volunteers and aim to achieve one or more of the following outcomes for all residents, especially people age 50 and older:

• Support communities’ efforts to build engagement and leverage funding available under new federal programs through laws like the American Rescue Plan Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and more.
• 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, bikeability, wayfinding, access to transportation options and roadway improvements.
• Support a range of housing options that increases the availability of accessible and affordable choices.
• Ensure a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion while improving the built and social environment of a community.
• Increase civic engagement with innovative and tangible projects that bring residents and local leaders together to address challenges and facilitate a greater sense of inclusion.
• Other community improvements; including health services, community development, and coronavirus pandemic recovery.

The Community Challenge is open to 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(6) nonprofits and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Grants can range from several hundred dollars for small, short-term activities to tens of thousands for larger projects.

The application deadline is 5:00 p.m. ET, March 22, 2022. All projects must be completed by November 30, 2022. To submit an application and view past grantees, visit www.AARP.org/CommunityChallenge.

About AARP Indiana

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. The Indiana office has been involved in issues affecting Hoosiers ages 50-plus, including providing more assistance for family caregivers, encouraging retirement savings, and encouraging local leaders to make their communities more livable. To learn more visit www.aarp.org/IN and follow @aarpindiana on Twitter and Facebook.