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AARP Bike-Ped Project Funding

The AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to fund quick-action projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages. Past grants have supported rail trails and other multi-use trails, a bike safety equipment lending “library,” and projects that promote walking and walkability. In 2023, the AARP Community Challenge accepted applications across three grant opportunities:

1. Flagship grants. These grants have ranged from several hundred dollars for smaller, short-term activities to tens of thousands of dollars for larger projects. Among the areas of eligibility in 2023: 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, bike-ability, and access to public and private transit; and Improve community health and economic empowerment in support of financial well-being and improved health outcomes.
2. Capacity-Building Microgrants. This was a new category in 2023. By combining $2,500 grants with additional resources — such as webinars, AARP Livable Communities publications, one-on-one coaching with leading national organizations — this grant opportunity benefits residents (especially those age 50 or older). One of the two categories in 2023 was “Walkability: Implement a walk audit to assess and enhance the safety and walkability of a street or neighborhood with support from America Walks, using the AARP Walk Audit Tool Kit.” (see separate article in this issue of The Advocate)
3. Demonstration Grants. One of the two categories in 2023 was Transportation Systems Change, with grants of approximately $30,000 to $50,000 per project.

Stay tuned for an announcement of the 2024 grant round, expected in January. The grant cycle calendar in 2023 looked this this:

• January 18, 2023: Application window opened.
• February 8: Q&A Webinar.
• February 14: Webinar with America Walks: The Walk Audit: An Effective Tool for Community Change.
• March 15: Applications due.
• May 16: All applicants were notified by email.
• June 28: Live public announcement of the selected grantees.
• November 30: All funded projects due to be completed.