BISMARCK –AARP North Dakota invites eligible nonprofit organizations and governments to apply for the 2025 AARP Community Challenge grant program through March 5.

Now in its ninth year, AARP Community Challenge grants fund to quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public places, transportation, housing, digital connections and more.

“The Community Challenge is a critical part of how AARP North Dakota works with local residents, advocates, and policymakers to make our communities better places to live for people of all ages, especially North Dakotans 50 and over,” said Josh Askvig, AARP ND state director.

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.

– Capacity-building microgrants are paired with additional resources, such as one-on-one coaching from national nonprofit organizations, webinars, cohort learning opportunities and more for improving walkability, bikeability; implementing safe, accessible home modifications; and disaster preparedness training.

– 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; reconnecting communities divided by infrastructure; and implementing housing choice design competitions.

– Flagship grants support projects that improve public places, transportation, housing, digital connections and community resilience.

Since 2017, AARP has invested $20.1 million toward 1,700 projects, including $283,486 in North Dakota. Grants have funded an array recreation and improvement projects ranging from community murals to community gardens. In 2024, a grant helped capture community stories and create community space in Souris, and bike racks added in Mandan are making biking safer and easier.

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.

All projects must be completed by Dec. 15. Contact AARP ND for more information.