AARP is excited to announce the largest investment of grant dollars to date through the AARP Community Challenge grant program which aims to make communities more livable for people of all ages, with a focus on people age 50+. More than $4.2 million in quick-action grants are being distributed to 383 projects across all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The AARP Community Challenge funds innovative projects that inspire change in areas such as public places; housing; transportation; and more. In 2025, AARP is increasing its investment in rural communities, with 45% of the projects focused on these places. This marks our most substantial investment in rural grantmaking to date.

Toyota Motor North America is providing additional funding for pedestrian safety projects to improve streets and sidewalks nationwide. Microsoft is also contributing additional funding for digital connections projects aimed at expanding high-speed internet (broadband) access and adoption.

AARP Michigan is incredibly proud to have six projects granted right here in our state. Our goal is to support their efforts to create great places for people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities. As local leaders seek to better their communities for the future, this becomes even more critical.

The program is funding projects across three different grant opportunities, including flagship grants, capacity-building microgrants, and demonstration grants. Here in Michigan, these exciting projects were funded:

City of Dearborn
Award: $19,323
Installing flashing crosswalk signs at high-risk areas near senior housing to enhance pedestrian safety. This project aims to reduce accidents and promote safer driver behaviors, ensuring a more secure environment for all pedestrians, especially older adults.

City of Holland
Award: $15,000
Installing new benches along sidewalks in Holland, tripling the current number. This project aims to improve walkability and provide resting spots for people age 50 and older, enhancing community connections and public safety.

Eastside Community Network (ECN) | Detroit, MI
Award: $20,000
Expanding tech hub resources for older adults in Detroit’s eastside, providing affordable internet, free laptops or tablets, and digital literacy training. The project aims to enhance technological access and skills, improving community connectivity and engagement.

Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers | Macomb County, MI
Award: $2,500
Using vetted volunteers to conduct home safety visits for low-income older adults. Volunteers will drive to multiple homes with toolkits of safety items and use checklists of easy fixes to make homes safer and more comfortable. The project aims to reduce injuries and help individuals live longer in their own homes.

Livingston County Habitat for Humanity
Award: $2,500
Hosting of five home safety events on topics such as common home hazards and prevention strategies, crucial home repairs for safety and accessibility, cost-effective maintenance solutions, strategies for aging in place and local resources and programs available.

The Heartlands | Marlette, MI
Award: $14,000
Creating a colorful crosswalk and add wayfinding signage to improve walkability and safety. This project will enhance the walking environment for residents and visitors, promoting exercise, socializing and mental health.

Since 2017, AARP Michigan has awarded 34 grants and more than $485,000 through the program to nonprofit organizations and government entities across the state.

The AARP Community Challenge grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide work on livable communities, which supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and counties across the country to become great places for all residents. We believe that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; affordable and accessible housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life.

To learn more about the work being funded by the AARP Community Challenge both here in Michigan as well as across the nation, visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge. You can also view the AARP Livable Communities Map – a free, interactive tool with information on AARP Community Challenge grantees and members in the Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.