GREENSBORO, N.C. — A garden to help feed folks and foster community,
a project to restore a church and preserve a town's history marker, providing the muscle and materials to build ramps so folks can age safely at home.
These are all examples of community projects organizations dreamed up in North Carolina and AARP helped make happen in 2023. Now, AARP is looking for community projects to fund this year. Any organization that has a wish list project can apply for the 2024 AARP Community Challenge. It's a grant process and the focus is to make your community more liveable.
“We've given more than $16 million in grants in all 50 states. The great thing about the Challenge Grant is that we can properly fund the need, that way if there's only enough money for 50% of the program AARP can step in and possibly fund the rest of it,” said Michael Olender, AARP North Carolina Director.
The Granite City Greenway in Mount Airy is a good example. In 2019 the AARP Community Challenge Grant helped to add ten benches, five bike racks, and new trees to the trail. Folks of all ages and capabilities can use the trail.
“Real life happens not at the national level but at the local community level so communities need to make changes now so they can provide services and needs of people who are older in their communities,” said Olender.
Got an idea? You need to submit your application by March 6, 2024. Even if you've never written a grant before, AARP can help. They have webinars and Facebook live events to help you through the application process.