Since 2017 AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons) has distributed millions of dollars through its AARP Community Challenge grant program.
As noted in the February issue of Downtown Idea Exchange, many familiar downtown projects are eligible for funding.
In 2024 grantees included an alley transformation project in Vallejo, CA, accessibility improvements to a crosswalk in downtown Torrington CT, the addition of wheelchair-accessible picnic tables to parks in downtown Angola, IN, creation of a new greenspace in the heart of downtown Clyde, KS, sidewalk repair and installation of benches and community art in downtown Jenkins, KY, creation of two downtown pickleball courts in Edgemont, SD, installation of traffic delineators in downtown Sioux Falls, SD, creation of a dementia-friendly park in downtown Elkhorn, WI, and many others.
Grants are made in three broad categories each of which includes opportunities for downtown projects.
- Flagship grants. These grants are designed to fund projects that benefit residents, especially those age 50 and older. Of particular interest to downtown leaders are grants for creating vibrant public places and for increasing connectivity, walkability, bikeability, and access to public and private transit. The maximum grant is $25,000.
- Capacity-building microgrants. This category includes grants to fund walk audits and bike audits. The grant includes $2,500 as well as various training resources.
- Demonstration grants. This category offers grants of up to $25,000 for projects which focus on reconnecting communities divided by infrastructure and on creating safer streets and sidewalks.
Funding sources are covered regularly in the pages of Downtown Idea Exchange.
Click below to learn more about Downtown Idea Exchange and other resources for revitalizing downtowns and commercial corridors.