Photo by Healthy Homes.
Grants aims to help residents of all ages, especially older adults, improve how they live, move, and stay connected in their neighborhoods through innovative local projects
AARP today announced 13 organizations throughout Colorado will receive 2026 Community Challenge grants. Marking the program’s 10th anniversary, the grants are part of an $8.3 million commitment by AARP, doubling last year’s total, to fund 750 quick-action projects nationwide aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, especially older adults. The funds will support improvements to public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connectivity, disaster preparedness and other local priorities that help improve social connections and strengthen neighborhoods and towns of all sizes.
“Communities across Colorado are eager for solutions that boost mobility, connection and quality of life,” says Marissa Volpe, associate state director for livable communities. “Thanks to Community Challenge grants, we’re empowering residents to implement impactful improvements that make a sizeable difference.”
Since 2017, the AARP Community Challenge has awarded $639,657 through 53 grants in Colorado to nonprofit organizations and local government entities across the state. Grant projects will be funded in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Projects across Colorado reflect growing demand for practical, local solutions that help residents stay connected, safe and independent, including:
North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization, $15,000 (Greeley) — Real-time coordination tools and an emergency ride fund will be added to a regional mobility platform. These upgrades will reduce missed medical trips and uncertainty.
Denver Regional Mobility and Access Council, $15,000 — Expanded travel training and a regional assistance call center will be provided to older adults. Participants will gain skills to plan trips and use transportation options.
Town of Kiowa, $15,000 — Clear wayfinding signage will be installed to guide pedestrians and drivers to civic sites. The signage will support walkability and independent navigation.
Age-Friendly Carbondale, $2,500 — Trained volunteers will share fire preparedness materials at 10 community events during the summer and early fall. Residents will receive clear guidance and supplies to support safer responses to wildfires and other emergencies.
Sedgwick County Organized Recreation, $14,055 (Julesburg) — An Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible garden and fitness equipment for older adults will be added to a community center. These features will support physical activity and intergenerational engagement.
Rio Grande Hospital, $15,000 (Del Norte) — Benches and wellness stations will be added along an existing walking route. The enhancements will support rest, movement and social connection outdoors.
Healthy Archuleta, $15,000 (Pagosa Springs) — Pathway upgrades, seating and shade will be added at a community garden site. These improvements will make the garden safer to use and offer hands-on activities that support food access.
Montbello 2020 and Beyond, $15,000 (Denver) — Technology upgrades and expanded computer classes will enhance a learning center for older adults. Participants will better manage personal projects and digital tasks.
North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization, $2,500 (Milliken) — Bilingual walk audits and placemaking activities will examine walkability in rural Milliken. Community input will guide improvements that support safer movement for older adults.
Colorado State University Institute for the Built Environment, $24,800 (Fort Collins) — A design challenge will produce build-ready, age-friendly accessory dwelling unit (ADU) plans for public use. The plans will guide adaptable housing for older residents.
City of Craig, $15,000 — Four lighted pickleball courts will be constructed at Woodbury Park. The facility will provide safe recreation and encourage multigenerational activity.
Focus Points Family Resource Center, $15,000 (Denver) — Digital literacy workshops and transit training will be expanded for older adults in nearby neighborhoods. Participants will gain confidence using technology and transportation options.
City of Fort Collins, $14,220 — Hands-on workshops will cover rental property care, safety and communication skills. Participants will gain practical knowledge and strengthen landlord-tenant relations.
City of Fort Collins, Healthy Homes $14,220 — Hands-on workshops will cover rental property care, safety and communication skills. Participants will gain practical knowledge and strengthen landlord-tenant relations.
Previous Community Challenge grants have delivered long-term impact in Colorado through a wide variety of initiatives and projects. On the Western Slope, All Points Transit in Montrose utilized a 2024 grant to install transit stop shelters in the community. That same year, Centro San Juan Diego in Denver utilized grant funding to implement digital literacy seminars to help Spanish-speaking older adults navigate the internet and computer software.
Some pedestrian safety initiatives will be funded with support from Toyota Motor North America and projects that expand high-speed internet access and adoption will be funded with support from Microsoft.
“America is aging, and most older adults want to stay in the communities they know and love. There are a lot of things that localities can do to support residents of all ages,” says Nancy LeaMond, executive vice president and chief advocacy and engagement officer at AARP. “AARP Community Challenge grants help transform local ideas into real improvements—from safer sidewalks and improved transportation options to public spaces that bring neighbors together and enhance community connections. As we celebrate the program’s 10th year, we’re proud to double our investment so even more communities can become great places to live for people at all stages of life,” says LeaMond.
View the full list of grantees and their projects at aarp.org/communitychallenge. Learn more about AARP’s work to support livable communities at aarp.org/livable.
