AARP Oklahoma invites local eligible nonprofit organizations and governments to apply for the 2024 AARP Community Challenge grant program through March 6 at 4 p.m. 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 eighth 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 residents, advocates, and policymakers to make our communities better places to live for people of all ages,” said AARP Volunteer State President Jim Randall. “The Community Challenge grants prove that quick-action projects can lead to long-term change, especially for Oklahomans aged 50 and over.”

The AARP Community Challenge accepts applications across three different grant opportunities. 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-onone coaching, webinars, cohort learning opportunities, and more for improving walkability, bikeability, and implementing safe, accessible home modifications.

• Demonstration grants focus on improving digital connections to prepare and respond to disasters, reconnecting communities divided by infrastructure, and housing choice design competitions.

• Flagship grants support projects that improve public places, transportation, housing, diversity, equity and inclusion, civic engagement, community health and economic empowerment; and new this year, community resilience; and digital connections.

“AARP is committed to meeting the needs of a rapidly aging population in communities across the country,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer. “The Community Challenge aims to catalyze action in cities, towns, and rural areas through quick-action community improvements that benefit people of all ages and abilities.”

Since 2017, AARP has invested $16.4 million toward 1,370 projects, including 22 AARP Community Challenge grants in Oklahoma. The grantees implemented quick-action projects to help communities become more livable by improving public places, transportation, housing, and digital connections, including rural, suburban, and urban communities, focusing on the needs of those 50 and older.

Completed Community Challenge Grant project in 2023 in Oklahoma include:

• The Bridge - Pauls Valley: Four walk audits were conducted to identify and document unsafe streets for older pedestrians and make the case for future improvements.

• City of Grove: This project added lighting and signals to downtown crosswalks to help make them safer, particularly for older pedestrians.

• Southern Oklahoma Library System: This project created two telehealth rooms in Tishomingo and Sulphur libraries so residents can access telemedicine services.

The Community Challenge is open to eligible 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 4 p.m. CST, March 6, 2024. All projects must be completed by December 15, 2024. To submit an application and view past grantees, visit www.AARP.org/ CommunityChallenge.