The annual program aims to make communities in Vermont more livable for people of all ages
Vermont Business Magazine AARP Vermont invites eligible organizations and communities across the state to apply for the 2025 AARP Vermont Winter Placemaking Grant Program, now through October 3 at 5:00 p.m. The grants will support quick-action projects that launch winter placemaking demonstrations aimed at creating or reinventing public spaces to enhance safety, accessibility, and overall attractiveness. AARP will award up to six communities or organizations funding of up to $4,000 each. Now in its sixth year, the program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which promotes efforts by cities, towns, neighborhoods, and rural areas to become excellent places to live for all residents, especially those aged 50 and older.
Vermont’s cold and dark winter months present several challenges for residents statewide, including social isolation. The Winter Placemaking grant program aims to help communities embrace winter by transforming public spaces to promote outdoor activities and social interaction. AARP Vermont will host an informational webinar on September 10 at 12:00 p.m. for potential applicants to ask questions and learn more about the program. Register here: events.aarp.org/Placemaking25
“Once again, AARP Vermont is excited to invite communities across the state to seize this unique opportunity to bring winter to life,” said Kelly Stoddard Poor, Associate State Director of Community Outreach, AARP Vermont. “Our Winter Placemaking Grants empower local organizations to transform underutilized spaces into safe, accessible, and engaging environments for older adults. These quick-action demonstrations not only help combat seasonal isolation but also elevate livability across Vermont through creative, intergenerational, and inclusive winter activations.”
Previous Winter Placemaking grants have achieved impressive results, with nearly half of grantees expanding their projects to secure additional funding from private and public sector partners.
Grant writing assistance is available from experienced AARP volunteers who will support interested applicants. To receive grant writing assistance, the applicant must not have previously received grant funds from AARP. To submit a request, email Kelly Stoddard Poor at [email protected].
Since 2020, AARP Vermont has awarded over $104,000 to 24 projects through the Winter Placemaking grant program for communities across the state.
The application deadline is 5:00 p.m. Eastern, October 3, 2025. To submit an application, visit www.aarp.org/vt and click on the 2025 Winter Placemaking Grant announcement post.
About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org, www.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates, @AliadosAdelante on social media.
9.2.2025. BURLINGTON, VERMONT—AARP Vermont
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