AARP recently announced its largest-ever investment in its Community Challenge grant program -- $8.3 million to support 750 projects that will help make communities more livable for people of all ages. The commitment doubles last year's total and marks the program's 10th anniversary. This year’s projects fund improvements to public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connectivity, disaster preparedness, and other local priorities. Nearly half of the funded projects will support rural communities.

Specific grant categories included 286 grants for public spaces such as walking paths, seating, and accessibility improvements; 198 transportation grants; 116 housing grants; and 84 disaster resilience grants.

New AARP research accompanying the announcement highlighted the role of social connection in community well-being. Among residents who reported that their communities have improved, 44% credited a stronger sense of community and social connection. Among those who said their communities have declined, 36% pointed to weaker social connection.

Past projects have resulted in more than 55,000 tangible improvements and 12,000 programs including transit navigation and digital skills training, according to AARP. This year's projects span all 50 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.

To view the full list of grantees and learn about the 2027 challenge, click here