By Trish Svoboda

On June 26, AARP announced that seven organizations in Kansas will receive 2024 Community Challenge grants. This initiative represents AARP’s largest community investment to date, with $3.8 million awarded to 343 organizations nationwide. The grantees will carry out quick-action projects aimed at making communities more livable. These projects focus on enhancing public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and more, with a particular emphasis on addressing the needs of adults aged 50 and older.

This year, AARP offered three types of grant opportunities: flagship grants, capacity-building microgrants aimed at improving walkability, bike-ability, and accessible home modifications, and demonstration grants focused on equitable engagement to reconnect communities. These grants also support housing choice design competitions and initiatives to enhance digital connections to withstand disasters.

With funding support from Toyota Motor North America, the program is increasing its investment in pedestrian safety projects that will improve streets and sidewalks, create pedestrian infrastructure, engage community members, and more. AARP is also boosting its investment in community resilience, rural communities, and addressing disparities.