MADISON, WI – AARP today announced that 16 organizations in 13 Wisconsin cities, including Appleton, Brillion, Green Bay, Greendale, Juda, Milwaukee (4 projects), Racine, Sheboygan, Sister Bay, Shorewood, Two Rivers, Wautoma, and West Allis will receive 2026 AARP Community Challenge grants totaling a combined $193,000.
Marking the program’s 10th 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 Wisconsin are eager for solutions that boost mobility, connection, and quality of life,” said AARP Wisconsin State Director Raj Shukla. “Thanks to Community Challenge grants, we’re empowering residents to implement impactful improvements that make a sizeable difference.”
Since 2017, the AARP Community Challenge has awarded grants to nonprofit organizations and local government entities throughout all parts of Wisconsin and all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Projects across Wisconsin this year reflect growing demand for practical, local solutions that help residents stay connected, safe and independent.
“We’re proud to work with communities across Wisconsin to help make them more livable for people of all ages,” Shukla said. “These projects are about turning great local ideas into real improvements that make everyday life better, especially for older Wisconsinites.”
Here in Wisconsin, projects funded include:
Appleton – The Friends of the Appleton Fire Department will receive a $2,500 grant to provide emergency preparedness guidance at a local activity center for older adults. Participants will receive emergency kits and tailored planning information.
Brillion – The Brillion Public Library will receive a $9,600 grant to create an outdoor reading garden with seating, shade, and accessible raised garden beds in a downtown greenspace. The garden will support reading, gardening, and storytelling programs in a comfortable gathering space for all ages.
Green Bay – The City of Green Bay will receive a $15,000 grant to add low-impact fitness equipment, seating, and a meditation labyrinth to a popular city park. These improvements will support gentle movement, rest and reflection near a busy transit area.
Greendale – The Village of Greendale will receive a $15,000 grant to install two flashing pedestrian crossings and a high-contrast crosswalk along busy routes to parks and the downtown. These upgrades will improve visibility, slow traffic, and enhance safety for all ages – especially those age 50-plus.
Juda – The Green County Development Corporation in Juda will receive a $10,800 grant to develop an accessible community garden featuring raised beds, smooth paths, seating, and shared tools. The garden will support food growing, skill sharing, and regular social internation among residents of all ages.
Milwaukee – The Midtown Neighborhood Alliance will receive a $15,000 grant to transform a long-neglected vacant lot into an ADA-accessible community garden featuring paths, seating, lighting, and food-growing space. The project will support healthy aging, food access, and social connection.
Milwaukee – The Jackson Park Community Association will receive a $14,155 grant to install two V-shaped benches at a busy park entrance near transit and parking. The benches will provide a safe place to rest and help people transition from the street to the park. It will support easier access for those needing a break.
Milwaukee – The VIA CDC (Community Development Corporation) will receive a $15,000 grant to establish an accessible link between a park and a nearby commercial corridor, featuring a paved path, lighting, benches, landscaping, public art, and signage. The effort will improve safety and walking access for older adults.
Milwaukee – Sherman Park Community Associationwill receive a $25,000 grant to offer internet access and basic computer classes for residents age 50-plus at a community hub. Older residents will gain digital skills while connecting to food and local resources.
Racine – The Racine Kenosha Community Action Agency will receive a $25,000 grant to provide devices and hands-on digital training for adults age 50 and over. Participants will use online tools to access health care and essential services to stay connected.
Sheboygan – Rebuilding Together Sheboygan County will receive a $2,500 grant to offer community classes that demonstrate home safety products at local centers. Optional in-home installations will help older adults apply what they learned.
Sister Bay – Do Good Door County will receive a $2,500 grant to provide home safety education and assessments to help older adults reduce fall risks. Financial assistance will support essential home modifications that improve accessibility.
Shorewood – Milwaukee Riverkeeper will receive a $14,950 grant to install an interactive, slip-resistant mural at a lakeside park to teach residents how everyday actions affect water quality. The ground-level artwork will support outdoor learning and gentle movement for people of all ages.
Two Rivers – Two Rivers Main Street will receive a $2,500 grant to conduct walk audits that examine sidewalks and crossings throughout the downtown. Community discussions will use the findings to inform planning decisions.
Wautoma – The City of Wautoma will receive a $9,280 grant to install a high-visibility flashing crosswalk at a busy highway intersection. The new crossing will improve safety and independence for older adults accessing services and community destinations.
West Allis – The City of West Allis will receive a $15,000 grant to install a safer ADA-accessible pedestrian crossing with rapid-flashing beacons, marked crosswalks, and boarding pads near a community for older adults. The improvements will enhance transit access, mobility, and walkability.
“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,” LeaMond said.
View the full list of grantees/projects at aarp.org/communitychallenge. Learn more about AARP’s work to support livable communities at aarp.org/livable.
