AARP Commits Thousands of Dollars to Strengthen 16 Communities Across New York

$165K in grants aims to help residents of all ages, especially older adults, improve how they live, move and stay connected in their neighborhoods through innovative local projects

NEW YORK, June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AARP New York today announced 16 organizations throughout New York will receive 2025 Community Challenge grants totaling $164,600. The grants are part of AARP's $4.2 million commitment to fund 383 quick-action projects aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, with a focus on the needs of older adults. The funds will support efforts to improve public places, transportation, housing, digital connections and other key areas.

Now in its ninth year, the Challenge has awarded $736,188 through 63 grants in New York since 2017 to nonprofit organizations and local government entities across the state. Grant projects will be funded in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

"AARP New York is proud to work with communities across the state to help make them more livable for people of all ages," said Beth Finkel, AARP New York State Director. "These projects are about turning great local ideas into real improvements that make everyday life better, especially for older New Yorkers."

Here in New York, projects funded include:

• Age Friendly Glen Cove received $6,600 to hold digital literacy workshops for older adults using transit apps and assistive technology.
• AXS Lab in New York City received $2,500 to map the walkability and accessibility of three New York City neighborhoods using the AARP Walk Audit Tool Kit and the AXS Map kit.
• Cancer Support Community at Gilda's Club Rochester received $5,000 to offer monthly digital empowerment seminars and one-on-one support to help cancer patients aged 50 and older navigate technology.
• Capital Streets in Albany received $2,500 for walk audits near senior housing facilities and apartments.
• Cycle without Age – Adirondack Coast in Plattsburgh received $18,000 for Cycling Without Age which will offer free trishaw bike rides on bike paths and trails for people age 50-plus and those with disabilities.
• Hudson Crossing Park in Northumberland was awarded $15,000 to install an accessible kayak launch for people of all ages and abilities, especially those with mobility issues.
• Love Living at Home in Ithaca received $2,500 to conduct six disaster preparedness training sessions for people age 50 or over, both online and in person.
• NewFlex Youth Programs in Mount Vernon was given $20,000 for NewFlex Youth 50+ Mobile Tech Exchange Workshops to empower older adults with digital literacy skills through hands-on training led by college interns, high school seniors and middle school students.
• Phelps Business Development and Tourism Council, Inc. received $15,000 to hold a design competition for accessory dwelling units and tiny homes, focusing on affordable and accessible housing for adults 50 and older.
• Rural Housing Coalition of New York received $20,000 to host a design competition for mobile homes that meet the needs of older adults and people with disabilities.
• Selfhelp Community Services in Jackson Heights, Queens, received $2,500 to conduct five walk audits to identify locations for road repair, sidewalk and crosswalk improvements, and better signage.
• Town of Johnsburg Seniors Committee received $2,500 to modify bathrooms and front doors for 10 older adults with limited mobility to improve safety and accessibility in their homes.
• Town of Willsboro Parks Commission was given $15,000 to enhance Florence Hathaway Park with shuffleboard courts, an ADA pavilion and an all-season bathroom.
• Transportation Alternatives was awarded $10,000 to host three family-friendly walk audits in South Bronx communities to address the impact of major roadways and will feature scavenger hunts.
• WCCRC Stamford received $2,500 to expand disaster preparedness training by offering three in-person and two online workshops for people age 50 or over. The in-person sessions will provide essential knowledge, free checklists and small disaster kits.
• Westport-Wadhams Community Alliance was awarded $25,000 for the "Slow with the Flow" and the "Walkable Westport" campaigns to enhance pedestrian safety. Public art, greenscaping and crosswalk painting will slow traffic and improve walkability.

"AARP Community Challenge projects may be quick to launch, but their impact is long-lasting," said Nancy A. LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer. "We're proud to support communities nationwide to advance solutions that make neighborhoods and towns of all sizes better places to live where everyone can thrive. And this year, we're particularly proud to invest in projects benefitting often overlooked rural areas."

View the full list of grantees and their projects at aarp.org/communitychallenge. Learn more about AARP's work to support livable communities at aarp.org/livable.

Connect with AARP New York on X: @AARPNY, Facebook: AARP New York and LinkedIn: AARP New York

About AARP
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.

SOURCE AARP New York