Community organizations and local governments throughout the state have one month left before the deadline to apply for the 2021 Community Challenge grant program.
Grants fund quick-action projects that can range from several hundred dollars for small, short-term activities to several thousand or tens of thousands for larger projects. Now in its fifth year, the grant 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 people of all ages.
“We are excited to see the ideas people and organizations have to improve their own communities and want to encourage eligible organizations to apply,” said AARP Hawaii State Director Keali‘i Lopez.
AARP will prioritize projects that deliver inclusive solutions that meet the needs of diverse populations, as well as those that directly engage volunteers through permanent or temporary solutions that aim to achieve one or more of the following outcomes:
• Create vibrant public places that improve open spaces, parks and access to other amenities.
• Deliver a range of transportation and mobility options that increase connectivity, walkability, bikeability, wayfinding, access to transportation options and roadway improvements.
• Support a range of housing options that increase the availability of accessible and affordable options.
• Increase civic engagement and demonstrate the tangible value of “Smart Cities” with innovative and tangible projects that bring residents and local leaders together to address challenges and facilitate a greater sense of inclusion.
• Support local recovery from the coronavirus pandemic with an emphasis on economic development, improvements to public spaces and transportation services.
• Ensure a focus on diversity and inclusion while improving the built and social environment of a community.
In addition, AARP wants to hear about local needs and new, innovative ideas for addressing them. The Community Challenge is open to nonprofits and government entities. Other types of organizations will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The application deadline is 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time April 14. All projects must be completed by Nov. 10.
To submit an application, visit www.AARP.org/CommunityChallenge.