AARP Community Challenge grant applications taken through March 4
Submitted by Iowa News Services
For organizations working to help improve or revitalize their communities, AARP Iowa has opened its annual Community Challenge Grant application period.
The grants are awarded to help with projects making places more livable for older adults and people of all ages, to be more involved in their community. Previous grants have helped with trail and park improvements, bike accessibility, create walking paths, bike paths and park makeovers, and even a mobile kitchen.
Robert Lyons, outreach manager for AARP Iowa, said the grants can be the spark for long-term progress, especially in rural areas. Nationwide, he said AARP has invested more than $24 million in more than 2,100 projects since the program’s inception in 2017.
"Of that number, Iowa has received 42 grants at over $457,000," Lyons noted. "Really, I think this is a great fact – coming from rural Iowa myself – over 75% of those funded projects were in rural communities across the state."
Past Community Challenge grants have also funded projects ranging from small "pocket parks" to veterans memorials. The application period runs through March 4.
Lyons pointed out AARP is doubling its investment in the Community Challenge projects this year, with plans to award more than $8 million to recipients nationwide.
"We're really encouraging nonprofits and government entities here in Iowa to apply," Lyons stressed.
The grants are awarded in June and projects must be completed by the end of the year.
