AARP Community Challenge 2018 Grantees

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For the second annual AARP Community Challenge, AARP received more than 1,600 applications from nonprofits and government entities, resulting in a highly competitive selection process. A

total of $1.3 million was distributed to fund 129 “quick action” projects across the country, helping communities make immediate improvements and jumpstart long-term progress to support

residents of all ages.

Download the 2018 AARP Community Challenge Grantees booklet to read fuller descriptions of the winning projects.

The winners had a project completion deadline of November 5, 2018. The list below is organized by state and location, followed by the name of the grantee organization and a brief project

description. 

Winning projects are designed to achieve one or more of the following outcomes:

Deliver a range of transportation and mobility options in the community through permanent or temporary solutions that increase connectivity, walkability, bikeability and/or and access to

public and private transit.Create vibrant public places in the community through permanent or temporary solutions that improve open spaces, parks and access to other amenities.Support the

availability of a range of housing in the community through permanent or temporary solutions that increase accessible and affordable housing options.   AlabamaMontgomery: City of Montgomery

Planning Department Grant funds will pay for the installation of two pedestrian crossing signals and a colorful crosswalk, increasing pedestrian safety through creative measures.Oxford: City

of Oxford Grant funds will finance 10 park benches and bike racks along Main Street in the city's historic downtown, encouraging people of all ages to walk or ride bicycles. AlaskaKenai:

Kenaitze Indian Tribe (IRA) Six permanent raised garden beds will be installed on Kenaitze tribal land around a wellness center for traditional Dena'ina medicinal plants. Photo Album

ArizonaTempe: City of Tempe As part of the city’s Dementia Friendly initiative, this grant will be used to install wayfinding signs in community centers, develop a rating tool for the

community’s Memory Cafes and develop a video for training volunteers to assist in Dementia Friendly programs. VideoTucson: Living Streets Alliance Grant funds will be used to improve

pedestrian safety and accessibility, and foster a stronger sense of place by transforming an intersection with colorful crosswalks, temporary curb bulb-outs, seating and planter boxes. Photo

Album ArkansasConway: Conway Downtown Partnership This grant will improve Simon Park by installing new bike racks, planters and a mural, and developing programming to engage the community

in the process. Little Rock: City of Little Rock The city will implement a Bike-Friendly Driver Program to improve transportation safety and decrease collisions between bicycles, pedestrians

and drivers.Morrilton: City of Morrilton Parks and Recreation This grant will be used to create a "hammock park" in Morrilton so people of all ages can hang hammocks and relax, enjoy nature

and spend time together. CaliforniaChula Vista: Chula Vista Development Services/Age-Friendly Communities The city will create new resources — including a video, field trips and free

transit passes for older adults — to illustrate how simple it can be to use public transitLong Beach: Walk Long Beach Walk Long Beach will create two temporary crosswalks and expand

programming around a 10-mile community walk to enhance safety and engagement and improve public space aesthetics. Photo AlbumSan Diego: City Heights Community Development CorporationThis

grant will enhance the vibrancy of the Little East Africa neighborhood by installing culturally-relevant and branded cues through permanent art features and enhancements to a local bus stop.

Pho

to AlbumSan Francisco: Florence Fang Asian Community Garden The grant will help activate 10,000 square-feet of land within the community garden, expand training and improve the facilities

used to distribute healthy food. Photo AlbumWest Sacramento: City of West SacramentoThe city will develop educational programming to encourage older adults to use the city’s on-demand car

and bicycle transportation system. Video ColoradoColorado Springs: Innovations in Aging Collaborative Building on the results of a recent walk audit, this grant will add lighting and

universally-accessible benches along the Sand Creek Trail, which connects key community hubs,to enhance the path's safety, beauty and usability. Denver: Colorado Nonprofit Development Center

  This grant will help improve safety, walkability and connectivity along the Federal Boulevard corridor by supporting a pop-up demonstration of innovative traffic-calming features.