AARP Commits Thousands of Dollars to Strengthen 16 Communities Across New York
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NEW YORK, June 18, 2025 ~ AARP New York has announced that 16 organizations throughout the state will receive grants totaling $164,600 as part of their 2025 Community Challenge. This initiative is a part of AARP's commitment to fund quick-action projects aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, with a focus on the needs of older adults.

The grants will support efforts to improve public places, transportation, housing, digital connections and other key areas. This year marks the ninth year of the Community Challenge, which has awarded a total of $736,188 through 63 grants in New York since 2017 to nonprofit organizations and local government entities across the state. In addition to New York, grant projects will be funded in all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Beth Finkel, AARP New York State Director, expressed her pride in working with communities across the state to make them more livable for people of all ages. She stated that these projects are about turning great local ideas into real improvements that make everyday life better for older New Yorkers.

Some of the projects funded in New York include Age Friendly Glen Cove receiving $6,600 to hold digital literacy workshops for older adults using transit apps and assistive technology. AXS Lab in New York City received $2,500 to map the walkability and accessibility of three neighborhoods using AARP's Walk Audit Tool Kit and AXS Map kit.

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Cancer Support Community at Gilda's Club Rochester received $5,000 to offer monthly digital empowerment seminars and one-on-one support for cancer patients aged 50 and older to navigate technology. Capital Streets in Albany received $2,500 for walk audits near senior housing facilities and apartments.

Cycle without Age – Adirondack Coast in Plattsburgh was granted $18,000 for Cycling Without Age which will offer free trishaw bike rides on bike paths and trails for people aged 50 and above, as well as those with disabilities. Hudson Crossing Park in Northumberland received $15,000 to install an accessible kayak launch for people of all ages and abilities, especially those with mobility issues.

Love Living at Home in Ithaca was awarded $2,500 to conduct six disaster preparedness training sessions for people aged 50 or over, both online and in person. NewFlex Youth Programs in Mount Vernon received $20,000 for NewFlex Youth 50+ Mobile Tech Exchange Workshops to empower older adults with digital literacy skills through hands-on training led by college interns, high school seniors and middle school students.

Phelps Business Development and Tourism Council, Inc. received $15,000 to hold a design competition for accessory dwelling units and tiny homes that focus on affordable and accessible housing for adults aged 50 and older. Rural Housing Coalition of New York was granted $20,000 to host a design competition for mobile homes that meet the needs of older adults and people with disabilities.

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Selfhelp Community Services in Jackson Heights, Queens received $2,500 to conduct five walk audits to identify locations for road repair, sidewalk and crosswalk improvements, and better signage. The Town of Johnsburg Seniors Committee received $2,500 to modify bathrooms and front doors for 10 older adults with limited mobility to improve safety and accessibility in their homes.

The Town of Willsboro Parks Commission was given $15,000 to enhance Florence Hathaway Park with shuffleboard courts, an ADA pavilion and an all-season bathroom. Transportation Alternatives was awarded $10,000 to host three family-friendly walk audits in South Bronx communities to address the impact of major roadways. These audits will also feature scavenger hunts.

WCCRC Stamford received $2,500 to expand disaster preparedness training by offering three in-person workshops and two online workshops for people aged 50 or over. The in-person sessions will provide essential knowledge, free checklists and small disaster kits. The Westport-Wadhams Community Alliance was granted $25,000 for the "Slow with the Flow" and "Walkable Westport" campaigns to enhance pedestrian safety. These projects will include public art, greenscaping and crosswalk painting to slow traffic and improve walkability.

Nancy A. LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer, stated that AARP Community Challenge projects may be quick to launch, but their impact is long-lasting. She expressed pride in supporting communities nationwide to advance solutions that make neighborhoods and towns of all sizes better places to live where everyone can thrive. This year, AARP is particularly proud to invest in projects benefiting often overlooked rural areas.

The full list of grantees and their projects can be viewed at aarp.org/communitychallenge. To learn more about AARP's work to support livable communities, visit aarp.org/livable. Connect with AARP New York on social media platforms such as Twitter (@AARPNY), Facebook (AARP New York) and LinkedIn (AARP New York).
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