Organization Type: The program is open to the following types of organizations:
501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6). Nonprofit organizations must be recognized by the IRS to receive funds.
Government entities
Other types of organizations considered on a case-by-case basis
Funds will not be provided to any for-profit company, nor individuals. However, AARP does allow for IRS recognized tax-exempt nonprofit organizations or government entities to serve as fiscal sponsors of grants.
Capacity-Building Microgrants
Combining $2,500 grants with additional resources (such as webinars, cohort learning opportunities, up to 2 hours of one-on-one coaching with leading national nonprofit organizations and AARP publications), this grant opportunity will accept applications for projects that benefit residents — especially those age 50 and older — in the following categories:
NEW! Disaster Preparedness Training: Implement disaster preparedness training programs and resources for residents, especially those age 50-plus, with support from SBP and using the AARP Disaster Resilience Tool Kit.
Walk Audits: Implement walk audit assessments to enhance safety and walkability in communities, especially for people age 50-plus, with support from America Walks and using the AARP Walk Audit Tool Kit.
Bike Audits: Implement bike audits to enhance safety and bikeability in communities, especially for people age 50-plus, with support from The League of American Bicyclists and using the AARP Bike Audit Tool Kit.
HomeFit Guide Modifications: Implement education, simple home modifications and accessible safety solutions to create and maintain “lifelong homes,” especially for people age 50-plus, with support from the RL Mace Universal Design Institute and using the AARP HomeFit Guide.
Mission Focus: AARP will evaluate each project based on its consistency with the AARP mission to serve the needs of people age 50-plus. The project types described below will be prioritized over those that support ongoing programming or events.
Permanent physical improvements in the community
Temporary demonstrations that lead to long-term change
New, innovative programming pilots or services
Projects that are NOT eligible for funding:
Partisan, political or election-related activities
Planning activities and assessments and surveys of communities without tangible engagement
Studies with no follow-up action
Publication of books or reports
Acquisition of land and/or buildings
Purchase of a vehicle or mechanical equipment (such as a car, truck, bus, snow mobile, snow grooming machine or tractor)
Sponsorships of other organizations’ events or activities
Research and development for a nonprofit endeavor
Research and development for a for-profit endeavor
The promotion of a for-profit entity and/or its products and services