submitted to Times
For the fourth annual AARP Community Challenge, AARP received more than 2,800 applications from nonprofits and government entities, resulting in a highly competitive selection process. A total of more than $2.4 million is being distributed to fund 184 quick-action projects across the country, helping urban, rural and suburban communities make immediate improvements and jumpstart long-term progress to support residents of all ages.
In response to extraordinary community needs this year, AARP is investing additional funding to support projects in a range of diverse communities benefitting people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities, and projects that support local governments and organizations as they respond to and recover from the coronavirus pandemic.
“We developed the AARP Community Challenge grant program in response to mayors, local leaders and residents who asked for help building momentum for more livable communities nationwide. This year, both coronavirus response and projects that aid diverse communities are acute needs,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer. “Many of our earlier grants have led to permanent changes, and the program continues to evolve. We are proud that this year AARP will fund 24 coronavirus response and recovery projects that support immediate local needs.”
The winning projects are designed to achieve one or more of the following outcomes:
- Create vibrant public places by improving open spaces and parks and activating main streets.
- Deliver a range of transportation and mobility options by increasing connectivity, walkability, bikeability, wayfinding and access to a wider range of transportation choices.
- Encourage the availability of a range of housing by increasing accessible and affordable housing solutions.
- Increase civic engagement and demonstrate the tangible value of “Smart Cities” by bringing together local leaders and residents from all backgrounds to address challenges.
- Support coronavirus response and recovery efforts by ensuring older adults’ access to information, essential services and civic life. (These projects are present within the collection below as well as in a separate list.)
- Other improvements based on the most important needs in a community and the best quick-action solutions for addressing them.
South Carolina
- Columbia: City of Columbia
Funds will be put toward creating a furnished, temporary parklet that will allow for suitable social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Greenville County: Mill Community Ministries
The project will help combat food insecurity by expanding the capacity to distribute healthy, affordable food to vulnerable older residents.
- Myrtle Beach: City of Myrtle Beach
Project funds will be used to enhance public safety for residents and visitors by wrapping utility boxes with vinyl signage featuring information about coronavirus-related sidewalk etiquette, a wayfinding map and tips for effective social distancing and safety during the pandemic.
- Summerton: Town of Summerton
To support the community’s expanding elderly population, the town will create the state's first "tiny house" project built with environmentally-friendly materials by community members from designs focused on the needs of older adults and people with disabilities.
