AARP Commits Thousands of Dollars to Strengthen Eight Communities Across Virginia

AARP announced eight organizations throughout Virginia will receive 2025 Community Challenge grants. The grants are part of AARP’s $4.2 million commitment to fund 383 quick-action projects aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, with a focus on the needs of older adults. The funds will support efforts to improve public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and other key areas.  
Now in its ninth year, the Challenge has awarded $472,915 through 44 grants in Virginia since 2017 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.
“AARP Virginia is proud to partner with communities across the state to make them more livable for people of all ages,” said Jim Dau, AARP Virginia State Director. “These projects bring smart local ideas to life and create real on-the-ground improvements that make everyday life easier and safer, especially for older Virginians.”
Here in Virginia, projects funded include:

• City of Lynchburg - Dunbar Schoolyard Wayfinding (Lynchburg):
  Adding clear signage to help residents navigate a shared schoolyard, making it easier for older adults to walk safely, find gathering areas and stay engaged in community events.
• City of Richmond - 2nd Street Transit Upgrades (Richmond):
  Installing level boarding bus platforms and curb extensions to make public transit safer and easier for older riders, especially those with walkers, canes or balance challenges.
• Friends of Ferrum Park - ADA Trail at Ferrum Park (Ferrum):
  Building the first section of an accessible walking trail so older residents can enjoy safe outdoor activity, reduce isolation and maintain physical health on stable, level paths.
• Friends of the Chesapeake Public Library - Hurricane Preparedness Outreach (Chesapeake):
  Hosting storm-readiness sessions and creating bilingual emergency displays at public libraries to help older adults understand how to shelter in place, stay informed and protect themselves during severe weather.
• Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County - Home Modifications for Safer Living (Rocky Mount):
  Completing essential safety upgrades in homes of older residents, including ramps and grab bars, so they can age comfortably and independently without risk of injury.
• OmniRide - Fellowship House Bus Stop Improvements (Woodbridge):
  Moving a bus stop closer to a senior apartment complex and adding a new shelter with seating, giving older adults safer, more comfortable access to transit for errands and appointments.
• Shenandoah County - ADU Design Competition (Woodstock):
  Launching a competition to develop ready-to-use backyard cottage designs that provide affordable, age-friendly housing for older residents who want to stay close to loved ones or downsize in their own community.
• White House Farm Foundation - Leopold’s Preserve Trail Enhancements (Haymarket):
  Adding benches and native plantings along trails to create calm, restful spaces where older adults can pause, socialize or enjoy nature at their own pace.

Some pedestrian safety initiatives will be funded with support from Toyota Motor North America.
“AARP Community Challenge projects may be quick to launch, but their impact is long-lasting,” said Nancy A. LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer. “We’re proud to support communities nationwide to advance solutions that make neighborhoods and towns of all sizes better places to live where everyone can thrive. And this year, we’re particularly proud to invest in projects benefiting often overlooked rural areas.”
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.

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