AARP Maine invites local organizations and governments across the state to apply for the 2022 AARP Community Challenge grant program, now through March 22.

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 more desirable places to live.

The organization will prioritize proposals that are inclusive, address disparities, directly engage volunteers, support residents age 50 and older and aim to achieve one or more of the following outcomes:

• Supporting  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.
• Creating vibrant public places that improve open spaces, parks and access to other amenities.
• Delivering a range of transportation and mobility options that increase connectivity, walkability, bikeability, wayfinding, access to transportation options and roadway improvements.
• Supporting a range of housing options that increases the availability of accessible and affordable choices.
• Ensuring a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion while improving the built and social environment of a community.
• Increasing 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.

Thirty-two Maine communities and towns, from Limestone to the Blue Hill Peninsula to Eliot, have been recipients of the Community Challenge Grants.

All projects must be completed by Nov. 30.

To submit an application and view past grantees, visit aarp.org.