Across Minnesota, small towns and urban neighborhoods are becoming more livable, inclusive, and connected—thanks to a powerful boost from the AARP Community Challenge Grant program.
Launched in 2017, the Community Challenge is a nationwide initiative by AARP that funds quick-action projects designed to spark long-term change. These grants support improvements in public spaces, transportation, housing, digital access, and community resilience, with a special focus on the needs of adults age 50 and older.
In 2025, six Minnesota communities received a total of $66,000 in funding to bring their ideas to life. From rural counties to suburban cities, each project reflects the creativity and commitment of local leaders working to make their communities more livable for people of all ages.
Real Projects, Real Change
These six projects showcase how targeted investments can address local needs and improve quality of life for older adults and the broader community.
- Parents Inspired (Hutchinson) – A $16,000 grant is helping launch an on-demand transportation service for older adults and individuals with disabilities. The program prioritizes medical appointments and offers non-medical rides within a 25-mile radius, addressing a critical gap in mobility and access.
- Mahnomen County – With $15,000, the county is upgrading its Senior Living Center to improve accessibility. Wider doorways, ramps, and automatic door openers will make the space safer and more inclusive for residents with mobility challenges.
- City of Newfolden – A $15,000 grant is funding the creation of an outdoor gathering space at the local senior center. The area will feature accessible seating and planting zones, encouraging intergenerational connection and community engagement.
- City of Sleepy Eye – This project is using its $15,000 grant to build walkable pathways and rest areas that connect key community landmarks, including the senior center, museum, Chief Sleepy Eye Monument, Veterans Park, and local shops. Enhancements include benches, flowerpots, trash receptacles, and a mural to improve accessibility and aesthetics.
- North East Seniors for Better Living (St. Paul) – A $2,500 microgrant is supporting home visits to older adults in need. Staff will provide small-scale repairs and safety improvements, and help residents connect with services like transportation, chore assistance, and in-home nursing to support aging in place.
- Progressive Pathways (Minneapolis) – With a $2,500 grant, this project will host six community sessions to prepare for summer storms and flooding. Attendees will receive informational magnets, checklists, and supplies. Somali interpretation will be provided for both the sessions and materials to ensure accessibility.
These projects are part of a broader effort by AARP Minnesota, which has awarded over $558,000 through 45 grants since the program began.
Why It Matters
As Minnesota’s population ages, the need for inclusive infrastructure and services grows. The Community Challenge grants empower communities to respond quickly to local needs—whether by improving digital literacy, enhancing pedestrian safety, or creating spaces where people of all ages can gather and thrive.
“AARP Minnesota is proud to support these innovative projects,” said Cathy McLeer, AARP Minnesota State Director. “They show how small investments can lead to meaningful improvements in people’s lives.”
Minnesota’s success with the Community Challenge program mirrors a national trend. In 2025 alone, AARP awarded $4.2 million to 383 projects across all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Nearly half of this year’s grants went to rural communities, marking the program’s largest rural investment to date.
The AARP Community Challenge is more than a grant program—it’s a catalyst for change. By empowering local leaders and organizations, it helps build stronger, more connected communities where everyone can thrive, regardless of age or ability.
To learn more about the program or apply for future grants, visit aarp.org/communitychallenge.
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