AARP Delaware Now Accepting 2025 Community Challenge Grant Applications

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

Wilmington, DE—AARP Delaware invites local eligible non-profit organizations and governments across the country to apply for the 2025 AARP Community Challenge grant program, now through March 5, 2025, 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 ninth year, the program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for all residents, especially those age 50 and older.

“The Community Challenge is a critical part of how AARP Delaware works with local residents, advocates, and policymakers to make our communities better places to live for people of all ages, especially Delawareans 50 and over,” said AARP Delaware State President Wendell Alfred. 

This year, the AARP Community Challenge is accepting applications across three different grant opportunities. All projects must be consistent with AARP’s mission to serve the needs of people 50 and older along with other eligibility criteria. 

Capacity-building microgrants are paired with additional resources, such as one-on-one coaching from national nonprofit organizations, webinars, cohort learning opportunities and more for improving walkability, bikeability; implementing safe, accessible home modifications; and disaster preparedness training.
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; reconnecting communities divided by infrastructure; and implementing housing choice design competitions.

Flagship grants support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; and community resilience.

Since 2017, AARP has invested $20.1 million toward 1,700 projects – including more than 20 in Delaware – nonprofit organizations, and government entities 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 Delaware works in collaboration with communities across the state, bringing people together, and providing resources and expertise to help make Delaware counties, towns and cities great places to live for people of all ages. In 2024, organizations including Seaford Community Garden, Delaware Art Museum, and the Town of Milton received grants. Photos from past projects nationwide can be viewed here.

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 5, 2025. All projects must be completed by December 15, 2025. To submit an application and view past grantees, visit //www.AARP.org/CommunityChallenge.

 
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About AARP

AARP Delaware is part of the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With 190,000 members in Delaware, AARP Delaware strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to Delawareans. Our top 2024 priorities include preventing fraud, financial security, livable communities, and personal fulfillment. As a trusted source information and staying socially connected, AARP produces information and events to make life better for you and your family. Find us at www.aarp.org/DE.