Annual program ‘aims to make local communities in Wisconsin more livable’
For the Tomahawk Leader
WISCONSIN – AARP Wisconsin is inviting local organizations and governments across the state to apply for the 2022 AARP Community Challenge grant program.
A release from AARP said the grants fund quick-action projects that help communities become more livable in the long-term by improving public spaces, transportation, housing, civic engagement, coronavirus recovery, diversity and inclusion, and more.
Now in its sixth year, the grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live.
“AARP Wisconsin is excited to kick-off the Community Challenge again in 2022 to continue helping communities across Wisconsin become great places for people of all backgrounds, abilities and ages, especially people 50-plus,” said AARP Wisconsin Interim State Director Christina FitzPatrick. “The program has proven that quick-action projects can lead to long-lasting improvements right where Wisconsinites live.”
AARP said it will prioritize proposals that support residents age 50 and over, are inclusive, address disparities, directly engage volunteers and aim to achieve one or more of the following outcomes for all residents, especially people age 50 and older:
- Support communities’ efforts to build engagement and leverage funding available under new federal programs through laws like the American Rescue Plan Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and more.
- Create vibrant public places that improve open spaces, parks and access to other amenities.
- Deliver a range of transportation and mobility options that increase connectivity, walkability, bikeability, wayfinding, access to transportation options and roadway improvements.
- Support a range of housing options that increases the availability of accessible and affordable choices.
- Ensure a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion while improving the built and social environment of a community.
- Increase civic engagement with innovative and tangible projects that bring residents and local leaders together to address challenges and facilitate a greater sense of inclusion.
- Other community improvements, including health services, community development, and coronavirus pandemic recovery.
The Community Challenge grant program provides direct support to all community types, with nearly 40% of past projects benefitting rural communities, 20% going to suburban locations and 40% improving urban places.
“Granted projects have demonstrated an ability to help garner additional funds or support from public and private funders, encourage replication and overcome local policy barriers, and receive greater overall awareness and engagement,” AARP stated.
The Community Challenge is open to 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(6) nonprofits and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Grants can range from several hundred dollars for small, short-term activities to tens of thousands for larger projects.
Wisconsin communities that have received the grants in previous years include Appleton, Ashland, Bayfield, Beaver Dam, Berlin, Chilton, Cuba City, Deer Park, Ellsworth, Gays Mills, Goodman, Green Bay, Greendale, La Crosse, Madison, Milwaukee, Oconomowoc, Sheboygan and Spooner.
The application deadline is 4 p.m. on March 22. All projects must be completed by Nov. 30, 2022.
To submit an application and view past grantees, visit www.AARP.org/CommunityChallenge.