“Quick-Action” Grant Funding Available Through The 2020 AARP Community Challenge – One Month Away from Application Deadline
We are one month away from the April 1st deadline to apply for “quick-action” grant funding through the 2020 AARP Community Challenge. AARP invites you to submit applications for quick-action projects that can help your community become more livable. Applications are being accepted for small grants to improve housing, transportation, public space, smart cities, civic engagement and more. And if you are a previous winner, you can still apply!
Applications are due by April 1, 2020, 11:59 p.m. ET and must be submitted online HERE.
Eligibility
The program is open to the following types of organizations:
• 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(6) nonprofits
• Government entities
• Other types of organizations, considered on a case-by-case basis
The following projects are NOT eligible for funding:
• Partisan, political or election-related activities
• Planning activities and assessments and surveys of communities
• Studies with no follow-up action
• Publication of books or reports
• Acquisition of land and/or buildings
• Sponsorships of other organizations’ events or activities
• Research and development for a nonprofit endeavor
• Research and development for a for-profit endeavor
• The promotion of a for-profit entity and/or its products and services
What types of projects are acceptable?
Review this pagefor specific examples from previous AARP Community Challenges. AARP will prioritize projects that aim to achieve the following outcomes:
*New in 2020* Increasing civic engagement with innovative and tangible projects to bring residents and local leaders together to address challenges and facilitate greater sense of community inclusion and diversity.
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 the availability of a range of housing that increases accessible and affordable housing options.
Demonstrate the tangible value of “Smart Cities” with programs that engage residents in accessing, understanding and using data, and participating in decision-making to increase quality of life for all.
Other community improvements. In addition to the five areas of focus, AARP wants to hear about local needs and new, innovative ideas for addressing them.
Note: While the new civic engagement category is targeted to local governments, nonprofits can still apply for and receive a grant in this category, but they must demonstrate that they are working with local governments to solicit and include residents’ insights on the project or to help solve a pressing challenge.
Community Challenge grants can be used to support the following types of projects:
Permanent physical improvements in the community
Temporary demonstrations that lead to long-term change
New, innovative programming or services
Please note: Proposed project types described above will be prioritized over those that support ongoing programming or events.
The activity defined in the proposal must be completed by November 9, 2020. More information is available on the webpage. Email communitychallenge@aarp.org with any questions.
