INDIANA — AARP today announced 16 organizations throughout Indiana will receive 2026 Community Challenge grants. Marking the program’s 10th anniversary, the grants are part of an $8.3 million commitment by AARP, doubling last year’s total, to fund 750 quick-action projects nationwide aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, especially older adults.
The funds will support improvements to public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connectivity, disaster preparedness, and other local priorities that help improve social connections and strengthen neighborhoods and towns of all sizes.
“Communities across Indiana are eager for practical solutions that improve mobility, connection, and quality of life,” said AARP Indiana State Director Sarah Waddle. “These Community Challenge grants empower local ideas that make communities more livable for older Hoosiers.”
Since 2017, the AARP Community Challenge has awarded $631,633 through 57 grants in Indiana 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.
Projects across Indiana reflect growing demand for practical, local solutions that help residents stay connected, safe, and independent, including:
- HOPE of Evansville ($15,000)
Funding will add accessibility upgrades such as zero-step entries, grab bars, and safer lighting to 16 affordable homes, helping reduce fall risks and support aging in place. - Community One ($2,500)
This grant will help the Evansville organization install handrails or grab bars in 25 homes for residents age 50 and older, supporting safer and more independent living. - Fort Wayne City Utilities ($13,275)
The project will place new benches along a public wetland path, helping older visitors rest and enjoy nature with less physical strain. - Memorial Park Neighborhood Association ($2,500)
Support from this Fort Wayne neighborhood grant will install basic home safety equipment through workshops and share prevention information with older residents, improving awareness and access to home modification services. - Marshall County Emergency Management Agency ($4,037)
Funds will purchase and distribute 100 weather radios to residents in high-risk areas, helping older adults receive timely warnings during severe storms. - YMCA Vincennes ($15,000)
This funding will improve an existing transportation booking portal so community agencies can schedule rides for older adults more easily, reducing missed appointments and transportation confusion. - YMCA Vincennes ($15,000)
Project will add sheltered covers over benches at key public transit stops, making waiting safer and more comfortable for older riders. - Main Street Corydon ($14,954)
The grant will add permanent and portable shade structures to the downtown farmers market, helping older adults shop and socialize more comfortably. - The City of Huntingburg ($17,394)
The grant will help with the deployment of a portable radar speed sign along high-crash pedestrian corridors, helping slow traffic and improve safety for people walking to essential destinations. Funding for this initiative was made possible with support from Toyota Motor North America. - Flowers Feed Folks ($12,300)
This project in Kokomo will add gardening tools, carts, and small storage sheds at multiple community garden sites, allowing older volunteers to garden more comfortably while helping others. - Aspire Higher Foundation ($10,500)
Grant support will help this Indianapolis foundation install four artist-designed traffic circles on residential streets to slow traffic and connect key neighborhood destinations, making it safer for older residents to walk between housing, parks, and community spaces. - Rocky Ripple Community Association ($6,995)
Funds will add painted traffic-calming designs at key intersections, helping lower vehicle speeds and improve pedestrian safety for older residents and visitors in this Indianapolis community. - The Town of Montgomery ($20,000)
The project will construct a missing sidewalk segment along a busy curve on Highway 50, creating a safer walking connection between neighborhoods and downtown. Funding for this initiative was made possible with support from Toyota Motor North America. - Northwest Landing Housing Association ($2,500)
This effort on the Northwest side of Indianapolis will conduct walk audits to document sidewalk gaps and hazards affecting older residents, helping guide repairs that improve access to daily destinations. - Porter County Aging and Community Services ($2,500)
The grant will host home safety workshops teaching older adults practical, affordable accessibility modifications that support aging in place. - Gibson County Council on Aging ($2,500)
Support from this grant will offer monthly disaster preparedness programs for older adults, providing guidance, radios, and basic emergency supplies tailored to seasonal hazards. - Carver Community Organization/RSVP program ($2,500)
This initiative in Evansville will provide disaster preparedness training for older adult volunteers, equipping them with practical skills to protect themselves and assist others during local emergencies.
“America is aging, and most older adults want to stay in the communities they know and love. There are a lot of things that localities can do to support residents of all ages,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer. “AARP Community Challenge grants help transform local ideas into real improvements— from safer sidewalks and improved transportation options to public spaces that bring neighbors together and enhance community connections. As we celebrate the program’s 10th year, we’re proud to double our investment so even more communities can become great places to live for people at all stages of life.”
