Now in its seventh year, the grant program is dedicated to funding “quick-action” projects in Connecticut communities, aims to help the state’s neighborhoods, towns, and cities become great places to live for people of all ages.

AARP Connecticut has funded 38 projects since the inception of the Livable Communities Grant Program in 2018. The deadline to apply for a 2024 grant is Friday, August 16, at 5 p.m. and the application must be submitted to CTLivable@aarp.org. Grant applications and comprehensive details about the program can be found on www.aarp.org/ct.

Developing well-designed, age-friendly communities for individuals to grow, thrive and be included at any stage of life is vital to the success of creating places that are livable for all as they age, foster economic growth, and make for happier, healthier residents.

The Livable Communities Grant Program encourages the municipalities and nonprofits in our state to be creative and think about improvements that will benefit people of all ages. These grants are a great opportunity for communities to execute those ideas for projects that make small changes and a big impact.

Grants can range from small, short-term activities to larger, permanent solutions, but the maximum amount of any single grant will be $5,000. Applications should be for projects in Connecticut that are focused on improving the lives of older adults and make a positive impact within 8 Domains of Livability.

The 8 Domains of Livability is also the framework used by states and communities enrolled in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, which provides cities, towns, counties, and states with the resources to become more age-friendly by tapping into national and global research, planning models and best practices. Established in 2012, the network supports efforts to help people live easily and comfortably in their homes and communities as they age. AARP’s presence encourages older adults to take a more active role in their communities and have their voices heard. Initiatives focus on areas such as housing, caregiving, community engagement, volunteering, social inclusion and combating isolation among older citizens.

The AARP Connecticut Livable Communities Grant Program is open to incorporated organizations that are 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) nonprofits and Connecticut municipalities who seek to make improvements in their neighborhood or community in Connecticut. Grant funds cannot be used to supplement staff salaries or contribute to ongoing operating expenses, and projects must be completed within 12 months from the day grant funding is received. Please email questions to CTLivable@aarp.org.

While AARP Connecticut’s Livable Communities Grant Program is only open to Connecticut towns and nonprofits, AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative funds projects in all 50 states, Washington DC, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative also provides resources and publications to encourage local action such as the Roadmap to Livability and the AARP book-series Where We Live: Communities for All Ages. To learn more about AARP’s livable communities work in communities across the country please visit  www.aarp.org/livable.

Nora Duncan is the state director for AARP Connecticut.