The AARP Community Challenge Demonstration Grants are a component of AARP’s national effort to improve community livability, with a focus on supporting innovative, replicable projects that benefit people aged 50 and older. As part of the larger AARP Community Challenge initiative, which has awarded over 2,100 grants totaling $24.3 million since its launch in 2017, the Demonstration Grants target scalable solutions that can be implemented across multiple communities. These grants are administered by AARP, a private nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the interests of older adults through advocacy, service, and community-based programming.
Demonstration Grants are designed to support efforts that offer strong models for replication, with projects selected based on their potential to create meaningful, immediate impact and long-term community benefits. These grants offer awards ranging from $10,000 to $20,000, with a maximum award of $25,000. While some projects may fall below the typical range, no awards will exceed the $25,000 ceiling. Funded projects must serve residents aged 50 and older and align with one of three specified themes: pedestrian safety, broadband access, and innovative housing solutions.
For pedestrian safety projects, funding supports enhancements to the built environment that improve street and sidewalk safety. These initiatives are supported by Toyota Motor North America. Projects focused on broadband access aim to increase high-speed internet availability and adoption, especially in underserved areas, and are backed by support from Microsoft. The third eligible area involves housing design competitions that promote awareness and application of housing policies that address diverse community needs. These efforts leverage the AARP Housing Design Competition Tool Kit to foster innovation and community engagement.
Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations, as well as government entities at the state or local level. Other organizations may be considered on a case-by-case basis. For-profit organizations and individuals are not eligible to apply. Projects must align with AARP’s livable communities mission and show potential for replication in other locations. Ineligible uses of funds include vehicle purchases, partisan or political activities, property acquisition, and projects that lack community involvement or actionable outcomes.
Applications must be submitted through AARP’s online grant portal no later than March 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET. An optional public webinar is scheduled for January 27, 2026, to help applicants understand the program requirements. Notification of award decisions will occur in May 2026. Selected grantees must submit a signed agreement and vendor registration by June 10, 2026. Projects must be implemented by December 15, 2026, and a required After-Action Report must be submitted by December 31, 2026. Each submission is evaluated individually by a panel of experts in aging, urban design, and community development based on impact, execution, and innovation criteria.
