AARP Wisconsin now accepting 2026 Community Challenge grant applications for Milwaukee area & statewide projects

MADISON, WI – AARP Wisconsin is inviting Milwaukee area nonprofit organizations and governments to apply for the 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant program, now through March 4. These grants, which can be up to $25,000, fund quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and more.

Now in its tenth year, AARP will double its investment, awarding over $8 million in grants as part of its nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for all residents, especially those age 50 and older.

A few examples of grant-winning projects in the Milwaukee area over the years include a $15,000 grant to Mujeres con Poder (2025) for Kozy Park’s infrastructure improvements with increased seating, better lighting, and native landscaping; $8,500 to the Dominican Center (2024) to install a traffic calming circle in the Amani neighborhood to improve pedestrian safety; and $12,000 to the City of Milwaukee DPW (2023) to create a traffic calming lending library in Milwaukee, giving residents the power to try out traffic safety designs on their street so they can understand what options would most effectively address their concerns.

Dozens more grants have been awarded to help communities across Wisconsin become more livable for all ages in a variety of ways. “Through the Community Challenge grant program, AARP Wisconsin works closely with local residents, advocates, and policymakers to improve the quality of life for people of all ages, especially Wisconsinites 50 and older,” said AARP Wisconsin State Director Raj Shukla. “We look forward to the opportunity this year to provide increased support to communities across the Badger state.”

This year, the AARP Community Challenge is accepting applications across three different grant opportunities. All projects must be consistent with AARP’s mission to serve the needs of people 50 and older along with other eligibility criteria.

• Flagship grants support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; and disaster resilience. Awards range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000.
• Capacity-building microgrants are paired with expert support, webinars, and cohort learning for projects to improve walkability and bikeability; implement safe, accessible home modifications; and disaster preparedness training. Awards are $2,500.
• Demonstration grants fund projects that encourage replication of exemplary local efforts. This year’s focus is on improving pedestrian safety, with funding support from Toyota Motor North America; expanding high-speed internet access and adoption, with funding support from Microsoft; and housing choice design competitions. Awards typically range from $10,000-$20,000, not to exceed $25,000.

Since 2017, AARP has invested $24.3 million toward 2,100 livability projects across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands through the Community Challenge. The program aims to provide support to all community types, including rural, suburban and urban communities with a special focus on the needs of those 50 and older.

AARP Wisconsin works in collaboration with communities across the state, bringing people together, and providing resources and expertise to help make Wisconsin’s counties, towns and cities great places to live for people of all ages.

The Community Challenge is open to eligible 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Grants can range from several hundred dollars for small, short-term activities to tens of thousands for larger projects.

The application deadline is 4:00 p.m. Central Time on March 4, 2026. All projects must be completed by December 15, 2026. To submit an application and view past grantees, visit www.AARP.org/CommunityChallenge.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.