$73,327 in grant funds aims to help residents of all ages, especially older adults, improve how they live, move, and stay connected in their neighborhoods through innovative local projects
Vermont Business Magazine AARP has announced seven organizations throughout Vermont will receive 2025 Community Challenge grants. The grants are part of AARP’s $4.2 million commitment to fund 383 quick-action projects aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, with a focus on the needs of older adults. The funds will support efforts to improve public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and other key areas.
Now in its ninth year, the Challenge has awarded $426,533 through 40 grants in Vermont since 2017 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.
“AARP Vermont is proud to work with communities across the state to help make them more livable for people of all ages,” said Kelly Stoddard Poor, AARP Vermont Associate State Director of Outreach. “These projects are about turning great local ideas into real improvements that make everyday life better, especially for older Vermonters.”
Here in Vermont, projects funded include:
- Cornwall Outdoor Recreation Area (CORA) Committee (Cornwall): Cornwall will create an ADA-compliant walking path in a new recreation area, providing direct access to amenities like benches, exercise stations, pickleball/tennis courts, a picnic pavilion, and a pollinator garden. This project aims to benefit all residents, especially older adults and those with mobility challenges.
- Jericho Bicycle and Pedestrian Connectivity Committee (Jericho): This project will install a pedestrian lane along Raceway Road to connect homes, an independent living facility, and essential amenities. Protective bollards will delineate the path, enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists in the neighborhood.
- Montpelier Alive (Montpelier): Montpelier Alive will illuminate the North Branch Pedestrian Bridge to enhance safety and access to the Siboinebi recreational path. This project aims to create a vibrant public space, benefiting residents, especially older adults, by improving evening accessibility and security.
- Slate Valley Trails (Poultney): The Poultney River Loop will receive new maps, kiosks, wayfinding posts, and blazes to enhance navigability. These improvements will increase access for older adults and individuals with vision impairments, ensuring a safer and more inclusive trail experience.
- Town of Lyndon (Lyndon): The project will enhance Bandstand Park by adding a pollinator garden, a vine trellis, and six wheelchair-accessible picnic tables. This will improve accessibility, provide comfortable seating for community events, and create an intergenerational natural space.
- Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports (Rutland): The project will conduct bike audits throughout Vermont, building on the accessible bike trail initiative. Older volunteers will assess the safety, accessibility, and usability of bike paths. At least three audits will be conducted. The project will also host two meetings with residents and officials to discuss findings and future improvements.
- Walk+Bike+Roll Randolph (Randolph): This project will enhance pedestrian safety at key downtown crosswalks in Randolph by installing a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) and safety flags. These improvements will benefit residents, including those in senior housing, by providing safer access to local businesses and services.
“AARP Community Challenge projects may be quick to launch, but their impact is long-lasting,” said Nancy A. LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer. “We’re proud to support communities nationwide to advance solutions that make neighborhoods and towns of all sizes better places to live where everyone can thrive. And this year, we’re particularly proud to invest in projects benefiting often overlooked rural areas.”
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.
About AARP
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.
BURLINGTON, Vermont—AARP
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