AARP Oklahoma now accepting 2025 Community Challenge grant applications

AARP Oklahoma invites local eligible nonprofit organizations and governments across the country to apply for the 2025 AARP Community Challenge grant program, now through March 5, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern.

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 Communities initiative, 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.

“AARP Oklahoma is committed to working with local leaders, advocates and policymakers to make already great communities even better places to live for Oklahomans of all ages,” said AARP Oklahoma State Director Sean Voskuhl.

 This year, the AARP Community Challenge is accepting applications for 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.

 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 funding support from Toyota Motor North America, expanding high-speed internet access and adoption with funding support 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 in 1,700 projects across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands through the Community Challenge. This includes nearly $400,000 invested in 29 projects in Oklahoma nonprofit organizations and government entities.

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.

Recently funded projects in Oklahoma include community gardens, home safety upgrades for housebound older adults, providing portable generators and carbon monoxide detectors to older adult residents, and portable crosswalk signs for use during community events.

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 application deadline is 5:00 p.m. Eastern, March 5, 2025. All projects must be completed by December 15, 2025. To submit an application and view past grantees, visit www.AARP.org/CommunityChallenge.