Quick-action grants aim to help communities become more livable for people of all ages
This past June, AARP announced it is investing $3.6 million in 310 Community Challenge grants for quick-action projects to help communities become more livable. These grants will improve public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; diversity, equity and inclusion; and more, with an emphasis on the needs of adults age 50 and older.
“These grants continue to lead to long-term, positive changes in communities across the country,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer. “This year, we are proud to support the largest number of projects in the program’s seven-year history, which will improve residents’ quality of life through tangible changes so everyone can thrive as they age.”
Organizations that received funding in Northeast Ohio:
- Akron: Shanti Community Farms, Inc.
The project will create a new urban farm for the neighborhood, which is home to African and Bhutanese immigrant families, with individual garden plots and elevated beds for older gardeners. Capacity-Building Microgrant - Alliance: StarkFresh
This project will transform a vacant space inside an old elementary school building into a full-service grocery store located next to senior high-rise apartments. - Cleveland: Union Miles Development Corporation
This project will provide home repair services to older residents in the Union-Miles neighborhood to help them to live safely in their homes. - Warren: Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership
This project will convert a vacant property – the site of a demolished former hospital – into a greenspace for older adults by installing trees, landscaping, a walking path and lighting.
View the full list of grantees and their project descriptions at aarp.org/communitychallenge and learn more about AARP’s livable communities work at aarp.org/livable.
