AARP recently announced the 18 Georgia organizations that will receive 2026 Community Challenge grants. The awardees will receive grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 to fund quick-action projects that make 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.
Marking the program’s 10th anniversary, the grants are part of an $8.3 million national commitment by AARP and a part of $194,000 dedicated to Georgia recipients, doubling last year’s totals.
Communities across Georgia are eager for solutions that boost mobility, connection, and quality of life,” said Vanessa J. Payne, AARP Georgia’s state director. “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 $742,243 in Georgia through 67 grants to nonprofit organizations and local government entities. Grant projects will be funded in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Georgia’s projects reflect a growing demand for practical, local solutions that help residents remain connected, safe, and independent. This year’s awardees are:
- Farm to Neighborhood Athens
- Black Farm Street Augusta
- Korean American Senior Association Suwanee
- I Am Green Sparta
- Opportunity Uplifted Brunswick
- United Way of Central Ga., Macon
- Friends of the Square Washington
- City of Sparta, Downtown Transformation Sparta
- DART Doraville
- City of Sparks Sparks
- SUSTAIN Bowdon
- Morehouse School of Medicine Atlanta
- CSA Outreach Ministry Hartwell
- City of Sparta, Walking Audits Sparta
- Community Resource Corp. Duluth
- City of East Point Fire Dept. East Point
- 360 Albany GA Albany
- City of Sparta Sparta
These initiatives address a variety of needs, and some benefit from special partnerships. Pedestrian safety initiatives, such as those at the Morehouse School of Medicine, will be funded by Toyota Motor North America, and projects that expand high-speed internet access and adoption will be funded by Microsoft.
Community Challenge grants have delivered long-term impact in several Georgia communities. Last year, the Community Challenge Grant funded Milner, Georgia’s park revitalizations, adding an ADA-compliant shaded pavilion, tables, benches and improved lighting. In Albany, the 3360 Albany Garden Expansion and Digital Empowerment Project received funding to add accessible seating, digital literacy workshops and raised garden beds to improve community resilience.
“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,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer. “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.”
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.
