Healthcare News

AARP Community Challenge Announces 129 Grantees, including two in New Jersey

August 12, 2018 Herb 0Comment

AARP Liveable Communities

On July 18, the, D.C.-based AARP announced the awardees for its 2018 AARP Community Challenge program. A total of $1.3 million will be distributed to fund 129 “quick action” projects across the nation (two in New Jersey), helping communities make immediate improvements and jumpstart long-term progress to support residents of all ages.

“AARP has teams on the ground in communities across the country who hear from mayors, community leaders and local residents about the value of getting quick wins to create long-term change. We developed the Community Challenge Grant Program to answer that call and help build momentum for more livable communities nationwide,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer. “This year, we are proud to fund more projects in more communities in all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.”

Nearly 1,600 applications were received from non-profits and government entities for the initiative, now in its second year. Each of the projects must be completed by November 5.   The winning grants achieved one or more of the following outcomes:

  • Deliver a range of transportation and mobility options that increase connectivity, walkability, bikeability, and/or access to public and private transit.
  • Create vibrant public places that improve open spaces, parks and access to other amenities.
  • Support the availability of a range of housing that increases accessible and affordable housing options.

Two New Jersey Communities Successful in Receiving AARP Grants

Here in New Jersey grantees include:

Healthier Somerset/Somerset Health Care Foundation’s winning grant will enable the nonprofit group to install a parking lot to add a downtown green space for socializing.

The Township of Bloomfield’s Department of Health and Human Services will use its grant funding to expand the WALK Bloomfield walking program through the purchase of JobClocks, a technology for establishing walking paths.

The full list of grantees can be found at www.aarp.org/communitychallenge..

AARP’s Community Challenge grant program is part of the organization’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative that helps communities become great places to live for residents of all ages. AARP staff and volunteers are working with roughly 300 communities across the country, engaging and mobilizing community residents, delivering technical assistance and expertise to local leaders and organizations, and supporting the work of the 275 communities and two states that have enrolled in the AARP Network of Age Friendly States and Communities.  AARP also provides resources and publications to encourage local action such as the Roadmap to Livability and the AARP book-series Where We Live. Communities for All Ages.

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