2025 AARP Community Challenge

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By funding innovative, quick-action projects that spark change and build momentum for improved public places, community engagement, housing options and transportation services, the AARP Community Challenge helps towns, cities and neighborhoods become more livable for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

Now in its ninth year, the AARP Community Challenge is awarding its largest number of grants ever.

The 2025 AARP Community Challenge is supporting 383 projects, with a focus on meeting the needs of adults age 50 or older, through $4.2 million in quick-action grants.

Since its launch in 2017, the AARP Community Challenge has funded 2,100 grants, investing $24.3 million in 45,000 tangible improvements (such as park benches, crosswalks, bike racks) and more than 8,000 community-based programs, including digital skills training and transit education for older adults.

Some Highlights:

With an investment of nearly $2 million, 45 percent of this year's funded projects are in rural communities, marking the AARP Community Challenge’s largest rural investment to date.

This year’s highly competitive process drew 3,460 applications from nonprofits and local governments.

Some of this year's pedestrian safety initiatives are being funded with support from Toyota Motor North America. The projects that expand high-speed internet access and adoption are funded with support from Microsoft.

Past grantees have shown the positive impact small projects and low-dollar investments can have.

For instance, 50 percent of grantees attracted additional funding after receiving an AARP Community Challenge grant. Nine out of 10 (or 87 percent) say the AARP Community Challenge helped them overcome policy or financial barriers. All grantees report increasing their community's awareness of livability issues.

South Carolina Flagship Award Grantees

Columbia: NoMa STEAM — This project will provide a space for youth and adult gardeners to learn sustainable practices in growing and preserving food together. Monthly activities will include virtual meetings and on-site opportunities.

Hartsville: City of Hartsville — This project will transform a vacant event space into an indoor farmers market with renovated restrooms, vendor booths, and ample lighting. It will provide a safe, accessible, and comfortable environment for community events.

Lake City: City of Lake City — This project will develop a downtown walking trail to support outdoor recreation and wellness. The trail will feature art, fitness courts, and engaging signage, enhancing health and well-being for residents, especially those over 50.

Lexington: EmmanuWheel — This project will provide access ramps for individuals who rely on mobility devices but lack the financial resources for construction. Through a volunteer-based model, it will ensure dignity and independence for those in need.

Rock Hill: Housing Development Corporation Rock Hill — This project will supply older adult clients and community members with accessibility accessories to increase the safety, livability, and accessibility of their homes.

Grants Supporting Walk Audits

Greenville: LiveWell Greenville — This project will conduct walk audits in Berea, an area with the highest pedestrian fatality rate in the state, according to AARP.

Volunteers from nearby senior living residences will be trained and recruited.