AARP Pennsylvania Now Accepting 2026 Community Challenge Grant Applications

The annual program aims to make communities in Pennsylvania more livable for people of all ages

HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- AARP Pennsylvania invites local eligible nonprofit organizations and governments to apply for the 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant program, now through March 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. 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 tenth year, AARP will double its investment, awarding over $8 million in grants. These grants are part of the nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for all residents, with a special focus on those age 50 and older.

"The Community Challenge grant program allows AARP Pennsylvania to work closely with local residents, advocates, and policymakers to improve the quality of life for people of all ages while addressing the unique needs of Pennsylvanians 50 and older," said Bill Johnston-Walsh, AARP Pennsylvania State Director. "We are excited about expanding our support this year and are eager to deepen our impact, creating stronger, more livable communities across the Commonwealth."

The AARP Community Challenge is now accepting applications across three different grant opportunities. All projects must align with AARP's mission to serve the needs of people 50 and older, along with other eligibility criteria.

• Flagship grants support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; and disaster resilience. Awards range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000.
  
  
• Capacity-building microgrants are paired with expert support, webinars, and cohort learning for projects to improve walkability and bikeability; implement safe, accessible home modifications; and disaster preparedness training. Awards are $2,500.
  
  
• Demonstration grants fund projects that encourage replication of exemplary local efforts. This year's focus is on improving pedestrian safety, with funding support from Toyota Motor North America; expanding high-speed internet access and adoption, with funding support from Microsoft; and housing choice design competitions. Awards typically range from $10,000 to $20,000, with a maximum award of $25,000.

"Over the last decade, AARP has invested in communities to help people of all ages and abilities to thrive," said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer. "The impact that our Community Challenge grants have had in cities, towns and counties nationwide is significant, supporting everything from crosswalks and home improvements to increased community engagement while also serving as a catalyst for further action. We look forward to expanding the program and its cumulative results over the next ten years."

Since 2017, AARP has invested $24.3 million toward 2,100 livability projects – including 48 in Pennsylvania – across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands through the Community Challenge. The program aims to provide support to all community types, including rural, suburban and urban communities with a special focus on the needs of those 50 and older.

AARP Pennsylvania works in collaboration with communities across the state, bringing people together and providing resources and expertise to help make Pennsylvania's counties, towns and cities great places to live for people of all ages. Recent highlights include advancing age-friendly housing by promoting accessory dwelling unit (ADU) initiatives, which enable older adults to age in place. The team has also championed Complete Streets and Vision Zero Initiatives to make streets safer for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers of all ages, and promoted affordable housing options across the Commonwealth.

The Community Challenge is open to eligible 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) 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 5:00 p.m. Eastern, March 4, 2026. All projects must be completed by December 15, 2026. To submit an application and view past grantees, visit www.AARP.org/CommunityChallenge.

About AARP
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 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 125 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also 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, @AARPLatino and @AARPadvocates on social media.

MEDIA CONTACT:
TJ Thiessen
717-381-7420
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SOURCE AARP Pennsylvania