Fwd: [CLAtalk] AARP Grant Opportunity: Community Challenge
Aisha Conner-Gaten, MSLIS
From: Robbins, Julianna@CSL via CLAtalk <cla...@listserve.com>
Date: Wed, Jan 7, 2026 at 9:02 AM
Subject: [CLAtalk] AARP Grant Opportunity: Community Challenge
To: cla...@listserve.com <cla...@listserve.com>
Cc: Robbins, Julianna@CSL <julianna...@library.ca.gov>
Sharing this grant opportunity from AARP. There are different levels of grants (with different funding amounts) and several public libraries are noted on their Example Projects doc: https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/community-challenge/2026/AttachmentB-ProjectExamples2026CommunityChallenge-010726.pdf
AARP COMMUNITY CHALLENGE
A grant program to make communities more livable for people of all ages with tangible improvements that jump-start long-term change!
Applications Wanted!
Our annual "quick-action" grant program helps communities pursue tangible improvements that benefit older adults and people of all ages. Local governments and nonprofits are eligible to apply.
Since its inception in 2017, the AARP Community Challenge has awarded 2,100 grants totaling $24.3 million to projects that benefit residents — especially those age 50 and older — and accelerate community change.
AARP is accepting applications for the 2026 funding cycle that:
- Deliver tangible improvements to communities, such as new crosswalks, benches, bike lanes, housing designs, and public space enhancements.
- Leverage additional support from public, private, and philanthropic sources
- Help communities overcome policy barriers and implement lasting change
- Foster new collaborations and increase community engagement
Learn more: https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/community-challenge/info-2026/2026-challenge.html
Julianna Robbins | Library Programs Consultant
California State Library | Library Development Services
julianna...@library.ca.gov | Phone: 916.603.6712 | LinkedIn
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