AARP recently announced the recipients of its 2018 AARP Community Challenge grant program, including three recipients right here in Montana.
A total of $1.3 million will be distributed to fund 129 “quick action” projects across the country, helping communities make immediate improvements and jumpstart long-term progress to support residents of all ages.
Nearly 1,600 non-profits and government entities applied for the program, now in its second year. Each of the projects, which must be completed by November 5, is designed to achieve one or more of the following outcomes:
- Deliver a range of transportation and mobility options that increase connectivity, walkability, bikeability, and/or access to public and private transit;
- Create vibrant public places that improve open spaces, parks, and access to other amenities;
- Support the availability of a range of housing that increases accessible and affordable housing options;
- Address other issues of importance for communities.
Montana Winners AARP Community Challenge
$10,000 — Browning: Blackfeet Eagle Shield Center
This grant will provide for fencing, trees, flowers, and canopy swings in order to create an outdoor space that can facilitate story-telling and socializing on Blackfeet Native American tribal land.
$10,000 — Helena: Bike Walk Montana
This grant will fund a transportable demonstration kit to educate people about bicycle lanes, parklets, roundabouts, crosswalks, and other transportation safety initiatives.
$10,000 — Missoula: Missoula Parks & Recreation
Grant funds will be used to improve public health in the city by supporting the Rx Trails Program with new signage, mile markers, benches and maps.
The full list of grantees can be found at www.aarp.org/communitychallenge.
About the AARP
“AARP has teams on the ground in communities across the country who hear from mayors, community leaders, and local residents about the value of getting quick wins to create long-term change. We developed the Community Challenge Grant Program to answer that call and help build momentum for more livable communities nationwide,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President, Community, State, and National Affairs.
“This year, we are proud to fund more projects in more communities in all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.”
The Community Challenge grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative that helps communities become great places to live for residents of all ages.
AARP staff and volunteers are working with roughly 300 communities across the country, engaging and mobilizing community residents, delivering technical assistance and expertise to local leaders and organizations, and supporting the work of the 275 communities and two states that have enrolled in the AARP Network of Age Friendly States and Communities.
AARP also provides resources and publications to encourage local action, such as the Roadmap to Livability and the AARP book-series Where We Live: Communities for All Ages.
To learn more about AARP’s livable communities work in communities across the country and the AARP Community Challenge, please visit www.aarp.org/livable. MSN
