SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Today, AARP South Dakota announced four organizations throughout the state will receive 2022 Community Challenge grants – part of the largest group of grantees to date with $3.4 million awarded among 260 organizations nationwide. Grantees will implement quick-action projects that help communities become more livable in the long-term by improving public places; transportation; housing; diversity, equity and inclusion; digital access; and civic engagement, with an emphasis on the needs of adults age 50 and over.
“AARP South Dakota is committed to working with communities to improve residents’ quality of life through tangible changes,” said state director Erik Gaikowski. “We are proud to collaborate with this year’s grantees as they make immediate improvements in their communities to jumpstart long-term change, especially for South Dakotans 50 and over.”
Here in South Dakota, projects funded include:
- City of Canistota – The city is adding accessible picnic tables, benches and a water fountain to turn an undeveloped park into a safe gathering space for both physical activity and socialization opportunities.
- City of Spearfish Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department – To enhance how residents and visitors, particularly older adults, safely move around the community, the department is updating a recreational trail signage and crosswalk improvements, as well as addressing curb access disparities.
- Hill City Community Lutheran Church – The church is adding cisterns to collect rainwater at their community garden, increasing the number of plots and the number food distribution sites it serves. The group will also hold workshops on gardening and the use of fresh produce.
- Milbank Area Retired Teachers Association – To increase opportunities for safe routes for walking and biking, this project will install bike racks, benches, signage, water fountains and playground equipment at city parks.
AARP Community Challenge grant projects will be funded in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. True to the program’s quick-action nature, projects must be completed by November 30, 2022.
This year, AARP is bolstering its investment of affordable and adaptable housing solutions in response to the national housing crisis. With additional funding support from Toyota Motor North America, the program is also increasing its support of projects that improve mobility innovation and transportation options.
The grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for people of all ages. Since 2017, AARP South Dakota has now awarded 22 grants and more than $170,000 through the program to nonprofit organizations and government entities across the state.
View the full list of grantees and their project descriptions at aarp.org/communitychallenge and learn more about AARP’s livable communities work at aarp.org/livable.
