The 2025 AARP Community Challenge provides funding through three grant opportunities for quick-action projects that enhance communities, with a focus on residents aged 50 and older. Applications are due by March 5, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET, and all funded projects must be completed by December 15, 2025. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofits, government entities, and other organizations reviewed on a case-by-case basis. AARP prioritizes initiatives that deliver immediate, tangible benefits while fostering long-term community improvements.
Flagship Grants provide funding for projects that create vibrant public spaces, improve transportation and mobility options, support accessible and affordable housing, enhance digital literacy and connectivity, and build community resilience through disaster preparedness. Past grants have averaged between $10,000 and $12,000, with awards capped at $25,000. The program supports projects that range from small, short-term activities to more substantial efforts.
Capacity-Building Microgrants, valued at $2,500, combine funding with additional resources such as coaching, webinars, and toolkits. These grants target projects that implement disaster preparedness training, walk and bike audits to improve safety and accessibility, and home modifications guided by AARP’s HomeFit program. These smaller grants aim to build local capacity and strengthen communities through targeted interventions.
Demonstration Grants, which range from $10,000 to $25,000, fund scalable projects that showcase replicable solutions. Examples include improving pedestrian safety, expanding broadband access, reconnecting communities divided by infrastructure, and promoting housing design competitions to encourage innovative and accessible housing solutions. These grants emphasize creating lasting community benefits through strategic investments.
All applications must align with AARP’s mission to serve residents aged 50 and older. Eligible projects include permanent community improvements, temporary demonstrations leading to long-term changes, and new pilot programs. Activities such as partisan projects, planning-only initiatives, and land or vehicle acquisitions are ineligible. Proposals are scored based on their impact, execution, focus on reducing disparities, and innovation, with an emphasis on measurable outcomes and timely execution.
Key dates include an optional Q&A webinar on January 29, 2025, the application deadline of March 5, 2025, and notification of selection in mid-May 2025. Selected applicants must return the required Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and vendor forms by June 11, 2025, with projects starting as early as June 25, 2025. After-Action Reports are due by December 31, 2025, following project completion.
