AARP Pennsylvania Opens Applications for 2025 Community Challenge Grant Program

In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, AARP has recently opened the application process for its 2025 Community Challenge grant program, aimed at helping communities undertake quick yet impactful projects that improve local quality of life. Organizations have until 5 p.m. on March 5, 2025, to submit their applications. This initiative is an integral part of AARP's broader Livable Communities mission, which aims to foster environments that are accessible and friendly for individuals of all ages. Since the program's inception in 2017, AARP has committed over $20 million to support more than 1,700 community projects nationwide, with 41 of those taking place in Pennsylvania.

Past recipients have utilized grant funds to implement lasting changes in their communities. For instance, a project in Erie upgraded a local park by adding age-friendly fitness equipment and seating areas, promoting physical activity for seniors. In Philadelphia, a once-unused area was transformed into a pedestrian plaza, enhancing safety and creating a space for community events and interactions.

According to Bill Johnston-Walsh, the State Director for AARP Pennsylvania, these grants empower local organizations and initiatives to enact meaningful changes swiftly. "We are excited to support initiatives that enhance the livability of communities, especially for residents aged 50 and over," he stated. AARP Community Challenge grants come with three main types of funding:

- Capacity-Building Microgrants: These grants aim to improve community resilience by providing resources like coaching on vital topics such as walkability, home safety, and disaster preparedness.

- Demonstration Grants: These funds are directed toward replicable projects, including enhancements in pedestrian safety and broadening access to high-speed internet.

- Flagship Grants: Focused on larger-scale projects, these grants support substantial initiatives revolving around public spaces, housing, transportation, and digital inclusion.

Eligible applicants for the 2025 AARP Community Challenge grants are nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) designations, as well as government entities. Grant amounts vary, ranging from smaller sums to substantial funding depending on project specifics. The completed projects must be finalized by December 15, 2025.

For those interested in learning more about the application process or reviewing previous projects, additional information can be found at www.AARP.org/CommunityChallenge. AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization committed to empowering individuals 50 years and older to decide their living situations as they age. With a presence that spans the nation, AARP is dedicated to strengthening communities and advocating for issues that resonate most with those aged 50 and over, including health security, financial stability, and personal fulfillment.

This year, AARP continues its vital work by seeking out innovative projects that will not only uplift Pennsylvania communities but also serve as models for others to replicate across the country. As funding becomes available, eligible applicants are encouraged to act quickly, ensuring their initiatives can make a tangible difference in their neighborhoods and improve accessibility for residents of all ages.

For media inquiries regarding this announcement, please contact TJ Thiessen via email at [email protected] or by phone at 717-381-7420.

Topics Policy & Public Interest)

【About Using Articles】

You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.

【About Links】

Links are free to use.