AARP awards $95K to nine Maryland community projects

AARP is giving nine Maryland organizations $95,225 in 2026 Community Challenge grants for quick local projects aimed at helping older adults stay connected, safe and independent. The awards come as AARP marks the program’s 10th year and doubles its national funding to $8.3 million.

Why it matters: - The grants fund local fixes that can improve mobility, safety, housing access and social connection for older adults. - The Maryland awards are part of a larger national push to make communities more livable for people of all ages. - AARP is doubling its Community Challenge investment this year to $8.3 million, signaling stronger demand for practical neighborhood-level solutions.

What happened: - AARP announced nine Maryland organizations will share $95,225 in 2026 Community Challenge grants. - The program is marking its 10th anniversary. - AARP plans to fund 750 quick-action projects nationwide in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. - The grants are aimed at public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connectivity, disaster preparedness and other local priorities.

The details: - Since 2017, AARP Community Challenge grants have provided 49 Maryland awards totaling $534,154 to nonprofit organizations and local government entities. - Compassion by Design received $2,500 for monthly disaster preparedness training for caregivers and volunteers. - Howard County Chinese School received $2,500 for culturally appropriate disaster-preparedness workshops for Asian American seniors. - Baltimore City Office of Information and Technology received $13,500 for Spanish-language digital training through its laptop distribution program. - Maryland Zoo in Baltimore received $8,600 for a vision enhancement mobile app that helps visitors with low vision explore exhibits more independently. - Neighborhood Companions Inc. received $12,000 to transport older adult walking groups to parks and appointments while supporting social connection and activity. - Howard County Office on Aging and Independence received $14,625 for transit education and guided bus outings designed to build older adults’ confidence traveling independently. - Washington County Commission on Aging received $15,000 to install a covered bus shelter at the Hagerstown senior center. - City of Takoma Park received $12,000 to add professional home assessments that guide repairs and accessibility upgrades for older adults. - Healing Forward Foundation received $12,000 for home safety updates, including grab bars, lighting and minor repairs for adults 50 and older.

Between the lines: - The grant list shows AARP prioritizing low-cost, fast-to-launch projects over major infrastructure spending. - Transportation, disaster readiness and home safety appear to be the clearest near-term pain points for older residents. - The Spanish-language and culturally specific projects suggest AARP is targeting barriers that can keep people from using services they already have access to. - AARP Maryland State President David Conway said communities are looking for solutions that boost mobility, connection and quality of life. - Nancy LeaMond said older adults want to stay in the communities they know and love, and local governments can play a major role in supporting that goal.

What's next: - AARP said the full list of grantees and projects is available at AARP Community Challenge. - More information about AARP’s livable communities work is available at AARP livable communities. - The Maryland projects will move into implementation as part of the 2026 grant cycle.

The bottom line: - AARP is using a small-grants model to push practical fixes that help older adults remain active, connected and independent in Maryland neighborhoods.