AARP will fund $230K in projects across Florida

AARP is donating $230,000 to 24 organizations in 20 communities across Florida.

The nonprofit, which advocates for Americans 50 and over, said the funding is part of the organization’s 2026 Community Challenge grants, funding projects intended to make communities more livable for older adults.

The money will help Youth at Divine Revelations Ministries Inc. in Tallahassee to interview older residents and create a “Story Bench” with QR codes in a neighborhood park.

Local businesses along downtown Fernandina Beach’s historic Main Street will receive guidance and tools to improve accessibility and improve pedestrian navigation.

Helping Seniors of Brevard in Melbourne will establish a technology library and classroom where older adults can access devices and learn digital skills.

The Senior Resource Alliance Area Agency in Orlando will provide coordinated transportation for adults living with dementia and their caregivers, helping get seniors to their medical appointments.

The Timucuan Parks Foundation in Jacksonville will improve accessibility at Castaway Island Preserve with upgraded kiosks, additional benches and new signage.

Transit Alliance Miami in Hialeah will organize guided neighborhood walks to educate residents about pedestrian safety while gathering community feedback to identify and improve unsafe walking conditions.

Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE) in Lakeland will build ramps and other accessibility infrastructure for older adults with limited mobility.

In all, there are six projects in Central Florida, four in Northeast Florida, four in South Florida, four in the Panhandle, two on the Space Coast, two in Tampa, two in Lakeland and one in Gainesville.

“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.

Since 2017, AARP has spent $32.6 million on 2,100 ”livability projects,” including 64 in Florida. To mark the 10th anniversary of the Community Challenge grants program, the group is doubling its annual investment and awarding $8.3 million to 750 community projects nationwide.