BISMARCK, N.D. – AARP announced seven organizations throughout North Dakota will receive 2024 Community Challenge grants totaling $69,000. The grants are part of AARP’s largest investment in communities to date with $3.8 million awarded among 343 organizations nationwide. Grantees will implement quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; and more, with an emphasis on the needs of adults ages 50 and older.

“AARP North Dakota is committed to working with local leaders, advocates and policymakers to make our communities better places to live for North Dakotans of all ages, especially those 50 and older,” said AARP State Director Josh Askvig. “We are proud to collaborate with this year’s grantees as they make immediate improvements to address long-standing and emerging challenges across our communities.”

The projects funded in North Dakota will enhance accessibility, safety and health while creating more vibrant communities.

• Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health received $15,000 to create a community mural to improve a pedestrian tunnel along the Bismarck parks/trail system. This mural provides long-desired improvement to the safety and aesthetics of the tunnel.
• The City of Grafton (on behalf of Grafton Beautification Committee) was provided a $15,000 grant to install interactive musical structures to promote physical activity, create a more attractive park, and benefit youth, families, seniors, and people with disabilities.
• The City of Mandan received $10,500 to install a network of quality bike racks across the core of Mandan to make it easier for residents and visitors to access the services and destinations in the area, including many that cater specifically to older adults.

• In the City of Napoleon a $10,000 grant will provide educational signage and benches along the city’s new exercise trail to ensure the outdoor experience is safe and enjoyable to people of all ages and abilities.
• Strengthen ND received $10,500 to cultivate community identity in Souris by collecting elders’ stories, inspiring future community development, and creating a physical space for the community to reflect and dream.
• Barnes County Historical Society/Museum will use its $4,000 grant to remove outdated audio-visual equipment at the local museum and replace it with an updated TV screen/monitor, larger/newer speakers, and microphones.
• The Bowman Theater received $4,000 to purchase equipment that will allow all residents – especially older adults and the hearing impaired — to more fully enjoy the local theater.

Since 2017, AARP North Dakota has awarded 32 grants and $283,486 through the program to nonprofit organizations and government entities across the state.

This year, AARP awarded three different grant opportunities, including flagship grants, capacity-building microgrants for improving walkability, bikeability and accessible home modifications, and demonstration grants that focus on equitable engagement to reconnect communities, housing choice design competitions and improving digital connections to endure disasters.

With funding support from Toyota Motor North America, the program is increasing its investment in pedestrian safety projects that will improve streets and sidewalks, create vibrant pedestrian infrastructure, engage community members and much more. AARP is also bolstering its investment in community resilience, rural communities, and addressing disparities.

“Whether it’s helping people access high speed internet or protecting public transit riders from rain and snow, small community projects can have a big impact on people of all ages,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer. “AARP Community Challenge grantees make our commitment to creating better places to live a reality through quick, innovative solutions.”

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 great places to live for people of all ages, with an emphasis on people ages 50 and older.

AARP Community Challenge grant projects will be funded in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. True to the program’s quick-action nature, projects must be completed by December 15, 2024.

View the full list of grantees and their project descriptions at aarp.org/communitychallenge and learn more about AARP’s livable communities work at aarp.org/livable.