RICHMOND – AARP today announced 17 organizations throughout Virginia will receive 2026 Community Challenge grants for 18 projects. Marking the program’s 10-year 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 Virginia are eager for solutions that boost mobility, connection and quality of life,” said AARP Virginia State Director Jim Dau. “These grants provide essential support – especially in areas where small, flexible investments can lead to big change.”

Since 2017, the AARP Community Challenge has awarded $661,392 through 62 grants in Virginia 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 Virginia reflect growing demand for practical, local solutions that help residents stay connected, safe and independent, including:

  • The Center at Belvedere – An unused lawn adjacent to the local senior center in Charlottesville will be transformed into a flexible outdoor space for reflection, gatherings and wellness activities.
  • Town of Goshen – The lawn next to a historic community center will be transformed into an age‑friendly outdoor gathering area with accessible benches, shade and features to support gentle activity and social connection.
  • Richmond ToolBank – Shaded bench seating will be installed at select bus stops in high-heat areas, offering safer, cooler waiting spaces for transit riders, especially older adults who use the city’s zero-fare bus system.
  • Gloucester County Clean Community and Bee City – An accessible sensory garden and trail will be created at a popular park, featuring native plants, seating and hands-on activities which will support light exercise, outdoor learning and social interaction.
  • Town of Chatham – Wayfinding signs and benches will be added along the town’s walking trail system. These improvements will make walking routes clearer and provide resting spots, helping older adults walk more comfortably.
  • Town of Bedford – A parklet will be installed in a downtown area near a veterans memorial, offering seating and a safe place for people to reflect and gather along a busy street.
  • Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation – Permanent, vibrant sculptures will be installed along a busy roadway to serve as visual landmarks, helping pedestrians and transit riders navigate the area more confidently.
  • Town of Orange – Benches will be added to transit stops and walking areas, serving as comfortable resting spots for older adults.
  • Veterans Affairs Hospital – A neglected hospice garden will be restored to create a peaceful outdoor area for patients, families, staff and visitors of the hospital in Richmond.
  • Lynchburg Parks & Recreation – The senior center will improve its community garden by adding paths, tools and accessible features.
  • Northumberland Public Library – The new public park will include benches, tables, signage and other amenities. These additions will make the space more comfortable for walking, resting and community use.
  • Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity – Improvements to a previously hard to reach space, including an accessible mulch trail and community garden beds within a protected natural area, will allow residents to enjoy gardening and walking in a safe setting.
  • City of Newport News Parks & Recreation – A community garden at a popular community center will be enhanced by the addition of accessible pathways, raised beds, seating and gathering space.
  • Town of Bridgewater – Two outdoor water bottle fillers with ADA accessible fountains and pet bowls will be installed at a popular town park.
  • Friendship – Pedestrian safety improvements near housing for older adults in Roanoke will integrate traffic-calming measures with a highly visible community-designed crosswalk.
  • Friends of the Blue Ridge – In an expansion of an existing citywide program, new bike racks will be installed in Roanoke, improving access for cyclists using public spaces.
  • ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia – A community initiative will provide education and hands‑on support for home safety improvements, providing participants practical strategies to live more safely and independently in Arlington.
  • Richmond ToolBank – Workshops will teach residents simple home maintenance and modification skills to support safer aging in place through hands-on learning.

“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. “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.