America Walks Community Change Grants

The Community Change Grants program is a national initiative designed to support community-driven projects that promote walkability and active living. Administered by America Walks, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting safe, equitable, and accessible walking environments, the program offers financial support to grassroots organizations, local agencies, and community champions seeking to create more livable and physically active environments. This program emphasizes local empowerment and innovation, supporting creative projects that have the potential to transform communities into healthier, more engaging spaces for all residents. The program specifically targets projects that encourage walking and physical movement at the community level. It aims to foster healthy, active, and connected communities by backing initiatives that make public spaces more accessible, safe, and inviting for walking and mobility. Eligible projects have included story walks hosted by local libraries, street redesigns for pedestrian safety, and trail installations that promote physical activity and community engagement. By emphasizing walkability as a foundation for health and equity, the grants promote long-term improvements in community well-being and public space usage. Community Change Grants are funded in part by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through its Active People, Healthy Nation initiative, as well as through private partnerships, including support from General Motors. In the most recent cycle, America Walks offered six grants under the core program and an additional fifteen grants supported by General Motors for projects aligned with the program’s mission. This expansion reflects the growing interest and commitment across sectors to promote movement-friendly communities and to invest in public health and social equity through built environment interventions. The program places a strong emphasis on inclusive and engaging project design. Applicants are encouraged to submit innovative ideas that reflect the unique needs and characteristics of their communities. Past grantees have demonstrated that grassroots leadership and collaboration across sectors can significantly enhance the livability of a neighborhood. The grant is intended to support tangible, community-centered solutions and to provide momentum for local movements that align with the broader national goal of increasing physical activity. Applications typically require a clear outline of the proposed project, its goals and objectives, target population, and the expected outcomes in terms of community impact. While the submission process may vary by cycle, the program does not appear to impose extensive administrative requirements, suggesting an accessible application for grassroots entities. There is no indication of a multi-phase application process such as LOIs or concept papers. Although specific application deadlines for the next cycle have not been published, the program has demonstrated recurring issuance in previous years. Based on this pattern, prospective applicants are advised to anticipate another round of funding and to monitor the America Walks website and announcements for updated information. Awards are usually announced in alignment with program goals and are expected to support implementation within the same calendar year. Performance periods typically support near-term community impact. By combining federal public health funding with private sector support, the Community Change Grants program exemplifies a collaborative approach to community development and public health. The initiative continues to catalyze change by investing in the capacity of local leaders to improve their built environments and champion movement-friendly infrastructure.