2026 AARP Community Challenge: Funding Opportunities for Your Community

AARP has officially launched the 10th year of its Community Challenge grant program. This program funds quick-action projects that make communities more livable while sparking long-term change.

We would greatly appreciate your help promoting this opportunity through your networks. Attached are resources to make it easy to share information about the 2026 AARP Community Challenge, which opened on January 7, 2026.

Key Details

• Application Deadline: March 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. PT
• Submission Site: AARP.org/CommunityChallenge
• Project Completion Deadline: December 15, 2026
• Eligibility: 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations; government entities; and other organizations on a case-by-case basis

2026 Grant Opportunities

• Flagship Grants: Support projects improving public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and disaster resilience. Awards range from a few hundred dollars up to $15,000.
• Capacity-Building Microgrants: $2,500 grants paired with expert support, webinars, and cohort learning. Focus areas include walk audits, bike audits, HomeFit® Guide modifications, and disaster preparedness training.
• Demonstration Grants: Designed to replicate promising local efforts. Topics include pedestrian safety (funded by Toyota Motor North America), high-speed internet (funded by Microsoft), and housing design competitions. Awards typically range from $10,000–$20,000 (maximum $25,000).

In past years, AARP has funded projects that directly benefit Veterans and Military Families across multiple categories. In 2026, we are excited to continue accepting applications across all three funding opportunities.

Since 2017, AARP has awarded more than $24.3 million through 2,100 grants across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In 2025, Virginia had eight grant recipients in Chesapeake, Richmond, Lynchburg, Woodstock, Woodbridge, Ferrum, Rocky Mount, and Haymarket. Many funded projects have gone on to secure additional investment, inform local policy, and inspire replication nationwide.

We hope you’ll help spread the word and encourage eligible organizations in your community to apply. For more information and to see past grantees in action—revitalizing alleyways, creating vibrant public spaces, and improving crosswalk safety—please visit AARP.org/CommunityChallenge.

For questions, feel free to reach out to me directly or email communitychallenge@aarp.org.

Thank you for your support!