AARP Georgia now accepting 2025 Community Challenge Grant applications

ATLANTA– The American Association of Retired PersonsGeorgia (AARP) invites local, eligible, non-profit organizations and governments to apply for the 2025 AARP Community Challenge grant program. The deadline to apply is March 5, 5 p.m. EST. 

AARP Community Challenge grants fund quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and more. Now in its ninth year, the program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communitiesinitiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods, and rural areas to become great places to live for all residents, especially those age 50 and older. 

The Community Challenge is open to eligible 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations 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 Community Challenge plays a vital role in AARP Georgia’s efforts to collaborate with local residents, advocates, and policymakers to improve our communities, making them better places for people of all ages, especially Georgians aged 50 and over,” said Vanessa J. Payne, AARP Georgia’s state director.

This year, the AARP Community Challenge is accepting applications across three different grant opportunities. Along with other eligibility criteria, all projects must be consistent with AARP’s mission to serve the needs of people 50 and older along with other eligibility criteria.

• Capacity-building microgrants are paired with additional resources, such as one-on-one coaching from national nonprofit organizations, webinars, cohort learning opportunities, and more for improving walkability and bikeability; implementing safe, accessible home modifications, and disaster preparedness training.
   
• Demonstration grants fund projects that encourage replication of exemplary local efforts. This year’s focus is on improving pedestrian safety with support from Toyota Motor North America; expanding high-speed internet access and adoption with funding from Microsoft; reconnecting communities divided by infrastructure; and implementing housing choice design competitions.
• Flagship grants support projects that improve public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and community resilience.

“AARP is committed to creating communities where people of all ages and abilities can thrive,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer. “The Community Challenge helps cities, towns, and counties get things started with small improvements that can kick-start meaningful changes that improve people’s lives and strengthen the places they call home.”

Since 2017, AARP has invested $20.1 million toward 1,700 projects across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.  AARP Georgia boasts 40 grants totaling $438,718 through the Community Challenge. The program aims to provide support to all community types, including rural, suburban, and urban communities with a special focus on the needs of those 50 and older. 

AARP Georgia works in collaboration with communities across the state, bringing people together, and providing resources and expertise to help make our counties, towns, and cities great places to live for people of all ages 

All projects must be completed by December 15, 2025. To submit an application and view past grantees, visit www.AARP.org/CommunityChallenge.