On Wednesday, June 24, AARP announced 13 organizations throughout Colorado 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 Colorado are eager for solutions that boost mobility, connection and quality of life,” said Marissa Volpe, associate state director for livable communities. “Thanks to Community Challenge grants, we’re empowering residents to implement impactful improvements that make a sizeable difference.”
Since 2017, the AARP Community Challenge has awarded $639,657 through 53 grants in Colorado 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 Colorado reflect growing demand for practical, local solutions that help residents stay connected, safe and independent, including in Archuleta County, where Healthy Archuleta was awarded $15,000.
State data confirm that Colorado’s 60+ population has surpassed 1.3 million and is on track to reach 1.5 million by 2030, at which point seniors will outnumber residents under 18. This demographic shift is largely driven by long-time residents “aging in place” rather than a massive influx of retirees from other states.
To address this growing need, Healthy Archuleta proposed a quick-action, community-led project to improve safe access and age-friendly modifications at the Vista Lake Community Garden, a key public space serving local residents and neighboring communities.
With these AARP grant funds, Healthy Archuleta will enhance walkability, comfort and safety for older adults who participate in the community garden and initiate walk and access audits.
More specifically, the Challenge Grant will help install benches/rest areas, shade structures and clear signage, along with pathway stabilization to reduce fall risk and physical strain.
“We are thankful to AARP for this Community Challenge Grant. The funds help us further our mission of strengthening community health, connection and resilience through food systems, community engagement and well-being initiatives, and more specifically to support the enhancement of the PLPOA Vista Lake Community Production Garden as an accessible and welcoming space for community gathering, food growing, intergenerational connection and healthy aging. This is an investment that aims to help older adults, but, more importantly, it’s an investment in our entire community, regardless of age. Our hope is that this initiative provides a replicable model for age-friendly public space design in Archuleta County and beyond,” said Healthy Archuleta’s Vanessa Skean.
Previous Community Challenge grants have delivered long-term impact in Colorado through a wide variety of initiatives and projects.
On the Western Slope, All Points Transit in Montrose utilized a 2024 grant to install transit stop shelters in the community. That same year, Centro San Juan Diego in Denver utilized grant funding to implement digital literacy seminars to help Spanish-speaking older adults navigate the internet and computer software.
“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’s executive vice president and chief advocacy and 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.”
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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