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.
Demonstration Grants
This opportunity funds projects that encourage the replication of promising local efforts. Grants tend to fall between $10,000 and $20,000 and will not exceed $25,000.
The demonstration grant opportunity will accept applications for projects that benefit residents, especially those age 50 and older, in the following categories:
NEW! Enhancing pedestrian safety by creating safer streets and sidewalks, with a focus on people age 50-plus, with funding support from Toyota Motor North America.
NEW! Expanding high-speed internet (broadband) access and adoption, with a focus on people age 50-plus, with funding support from Microsoft.
Reconnecting communities divided by infrastructure, with a focus on people age 50-plus, as highlighted in the award-winning AARP Livable Communities article series Before the Highway.
Implementing housing design competitions that increase community understanding and encourage policies that enable greater choice in housing, with a focus on people age 50-plus, by using the AARP Housing Design Competition Tool Kit.
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