COLUMBUS, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—AARP today announced 11 organizations throughout Ohio 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 $701,852 through 58 grants in Ohio 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 Ohio is proud to work with communities across the state to help make them more livable for people of all ages,” said Jenny Carlson, AARP Ohio state director. “These projects are about turning great local ideas into real improvements that make everyday life better, especially for older Ohioans.”

Here in Ohio, projects funded include:

  • Arcanum Public Library will build a gazebo offering free 24/7 high-speed internet. Designed to bridge the digital divide, providing access to online resources, social media, telehealth services, and more, especially benefiting individuals 50 and older.
  • The City of Fairview Park’s Senior Center will establish a private telemedicine station to improve healthcare access for older adults. The new space will feature high-speed internet, telehealth software and medical peripherals, allowing seniors to receive virtual medical care and support without the need for trave
  • Colerain Township Department of Fire & EMS will conduct home safety assessments for residents who are at risk of falls, identifying hazards and providing home safety products, like grab bars.
  • Cycle Kettering Chapter of Bike Miami Valley will conduct a series of four bike audits focusing on access for people age 50 or over to key destinations like Senior, Recreation and Art Centers, schools and city parks. Audit results will be shared during two community meetings with residents and city officials to improve biking infrastructure and guide future planning.
  • Famicos Foundation in Cleveland will help more than 200 older adult residents in age-restricted apartments sign up for affordable internet service and provide basic computer skills training to promote digital inclusion.
  • Habitat for Humanity of Summit County’s West Akron walk audit project volunteers will conduct a series of 15 or more walk audits focusing on people over 50 to identify areas needing sidewalk and crosswalk improvements.
  • Marion County Council on Aging, utilizing vehicles with lift capabilities for those with mobility aids, will provide accessible transportation for older adults to out-of-county medical appointments. The goal is to ensure continued access to essential medical care for older adults.
  • Neighborhood Alliance will provide Disaster Preparedness kits and training to vulnerable populations at multiple locations in Lorain County. The Mobile Seniors Services program will transport 20-25 older adults per session to these locations, equipping them with training and supplies for disaster scenarios.
  • North Hill Community Development Corporation project will create a vibrant plaza connecting People’s Park with a mixed-use development on North Main Street in Akron. The new plaza will promote active aging, mental stimulation and social ties through dedicated programming for people 50-plus, fostering community engagement and cultural exchange.
  • United Seniors of Athens County will host two community walk audit forums to recruit and inform participants. The walk audits will cover six communities, two paths and one trail. Results will be shared with government officials and the county Mobility Manager during a community project completion celebration.
  • United Way of Hancock County is creating an accessible garden area in Findlay’s Community Garden with raised beds and gathering spaces designed for residents 50-plus. Designed to promote food security, nutritious food access and intergenerational engagement, enhancing the overall quality of life for the community.

Projects that expand high-speed internet access and adoption will be funded with support from Microsoft.

“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 benefitting 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.