WILMINGTON – AARP Delaware announced that four organizations throughout Delaware that will receive 2025 Community Challenge grants – part of AARP’s largest investment in communities to date with $3.8 million awarded among 343 organizations nationwide. Grantees will implement quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; and more, with an emphasis on the needs of adults ages 50 and older.
“AARP Delaware is committed to working with local leaders who have worked so hard to make our communities better places to live for Delawareans of all ages, especially those 50 and older,” AARP Delaware State Director Lucretia Young said. “We are proud to collaborate with this year’s grantees as they implement quick action improvements to make our communities thrive.”
Delaware projects funded include:
- BBLA, Bethany Beach for $2,500 – This project will conduct a professionally facilitated event with town and HOA leaders in Bethany Beach and adjacent communities to discuss and coordinate disaster preparedness plans. With the help of planning experts and officials, specific action plans and checklists will be developed for broader community trainings and distribution.
- Biggs Museum of Art, Dover for $12,500 – The Biggs Museum will extend the installation of five kinetic sculptures in downtown Dover’s historic green space. New programming includes workshops, talks, walking tours, and bus tours from local senior centers, enhancing community engagement and art accessibility.
- Friends of White Clay Creek, Newark for $5,000 – White Clay Creek State Park will install two ADA-compliant benches along accessible trails. These benches will be placed at regular intervals to provide resting spaces for people with mobility limitations.
- Food Bank of Delaware, Newark and Milford for $17,500 – This project will install outdoor speakers in the Food Bank of Delaware’s public gardens in Milford and Newark. The sound system will enhance inclusivity, communication, and mental wellness through soothing music, creating a peaceful and connected community space for all visitors, especially older adults.
This year, AARP awarded three different grant opportunities, including flagship grants, capacity-building microgrants for improving walkability, bikeability and accessible home modifications, and demonstration grants that focus on equitable engagement to reconnect communities, housing choice design competitions and improving digital connections to endure disasters.
“Whether it’s a community engagement project to promote safer streets or a park bench to provide residents a breather, small community projects can make a big impact for people of all ages,” Nancy LeaMond, AARP executive vice president and chief advocacy & engagement officer, said. “AARP’s Community Challenge grantees make our commitment to create better places to live nationwide a reality through quick, but innovative solutions.”
