AARP investing $61,050 in Missouri communities as part of nationwide grant program

Each year, AARP works in partnership with local leaders, organizations, and dedicated residents to help make that vision a reality. As part of that effort, AARP is excited to announce the largest investment of grant dollars to date through the AARP Community Challenge grant program. More than $3.8 million in quick-action grants are being distributed to 343 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 2024, AARP is bolstering its investment in digital connectivity, community resilience, rural communities, and addressing disparities. With additional funding support provided by Toyota Motor North America, the program is also increasing its investment in pedestrian safety projects that will improve streets and sidewalks, create vibrant pedestrian infrastructure, engage community members and much more.

AARP Missouri 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 Missouri, these exciting projects were funded:

· Active Aging Resource Center: This project will improve lighting and outdoor seating at a resource center for older adults. The lighting will increase safety and the center will also add a table, bench, and chairs to encourage visitors to socialize.

· Citizens for Modern Transit: This placemaking project will transform a bus stop in the Soulard neighborhood into a safer and more accessible facility for riders of all ages.

· City of Harrisonville: This project will install a sidewalk connection at the city park, enhancing safety and accessibility for older adults. The new sidewalks will close an 800-foot gap that forces pedestrians to walk in the road.

· Community Forward Inc.: This project will offer training on home modifications to enable older residents to live longer in their homes. Courses will focus on energy efficiency, renovation and remodeling resources and inexpensive projects.

· Putnam County Senior Citizens Organization Inc.: This project will upgrade an outdoor space at a senior center with patio dining sets and improved lighting. The center is located on a public square that is the site of a weekly farmers market and other community events.

· Urban Harvest STL: This project will make improvements to a community garden, which produces healthy food to distribute to families in need. Urban Harvest will add raised garden beds, seating, and a generator to the space.

The 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 to participate in community life.

To learn more about the work being funded by the AARP Community Challenge both here in Missouri 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 the more than 1,700 AARP Community Challenge grantees and more than 800 members in the Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.