AARP Commits Thousands of Dollars
to Strengthen Seven Communities Across Rhode Island
$63,000 in grants 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
PROVIDENCE, RI -- AARP today announced that seven organizations and municipalities throughout Rhode Island 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 $333,000 through grants in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island is proud to work with communities across the state to help make them more livable for people of all ages,” said State Director Catherine Taylor. “These projects are about turning great local ideas into real improvements that make everyday life better, especially for older Rhode Islanders.”
Here in Rhode Island, projects funded include:
Age-Friendly PVD
To conduct four walk audits in areas of Providence with a high density of older residents to identify unique pedestrian safety challenges. Volunteers from these areas will participate.
Community Libraries of Providence
To install handrails along the concrete ramp and stairs at Knight Memorial Library, enhancing safety and accessibility for older adults and individuals using canes, walkers, or wheelchairs.
Roger Williams Park Conservancy
To host two car-free days in Roger Williams Park to promote walking, hiking, and other slow transportation methods. This will create a safer, more inviting space for all visitors, especially those age 50 and over.
East Bay Community Action Program
To create an accessible community garden at the East Providence Senior Center, supported by older adult and community volunteers. It will provide fresh produce to seniors, offer on-site cooking classes, and culminate in a Community Thanksgiving Meal using the garden's harvest.
West End Community Center
To teach older adults at the West End Community Center about Straw Bale Gardening, a cost-effective method to grow vegetables safely despite contaminated soil.
City of Central Falls
To enhance River Island Park with shade structures and other amenities to support active and healthy aging.
Friends of Jamestown Seniors, Inc.
To improve home safety for people age 50 or over through three avenues: community-based home safety education sessions featuring the AARP HomeFit Guide, home safety visits offered after rescue calls and to attendees, and free easy-to-install safety items.
“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 Rhode Island’s work to support livable communities at aarp.org/RILivable.
# # #
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.
