Local governments and nonprofits encouraged to apply for AARP Virginia’s 2025 grant program
Virginia – AARP Virginia is now accepting applications for its 2025 Community Challenge grants in an effort to improve livability throughout the communities. To build more accessible and appealing communities, this project intends to finance initiatives that significantly improve public areas, transit, housing, and digital infrastructure.
Now in its ninth year, the award program is a pillar of the AARP’s national Livable Communities project. With an eye toward the requirements of those 50 years of age and above, this long-standing project supports local initiatives to improve towns and cities for all citizens.
“The Community Challenge is a critical part of how AARP Virginia works with local residents, advocates and policymakers to make our communities better places to live for people of all ages, especially Virginians 50 and older,” said AARP Virginia State Director Jim Dau.
The program offers three different kind of awards this year. First, the capacity-building microgrants are meant to offer not just money but also other tools like webinars or opportunities for cohort learning. These awards center on improving walkability and bikeability, applying safe and easily accessible house modifications, and offering disaster readiness instruction.
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Projects that have a strong possibility for replication and more general impact are given second class, demonstration grants. For these funds, this year’s focus is on enhancing pedestrian safety, increasing high-speed Internet access, bridging places split by infrastructural constraints, and supporting creative home design contests.
Finally, the flagship funds go toward general community resilience, digital connectivity, housing availability, transportation options, and broad-based enhancements in public areas.
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Originally launched in 2017, the AARP Community Challenge has funded over $20 million for about 1,700 projects, including 36 projects alone in Virginia. Aiming to create a model for future urban and rural development, these projects range from small-scale installations to bigger, transforming undertakings addressing important needs within communities.
Companies wanting to apply for the 2025 grants have to do so by 5 p.m. on March 5. Among qualified candidates are government agencies and non-profit organizations dedicated to bring forth long-lasting improvements to their local communities. With the grants, AARP Virginia keeps advocating the creation of surroundings that support the well-being and sustainability of every resident, especially those over the age of 50.
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