Des Moines, Iowa – AARP today announced 13 organizations throughout Iowa will receive a combined $162,557 in 2026 Community Challenge grants. Marking the program’s 10th anniversary, the grants are part of an $8.3 million commitment by AARP, doubling last year’s total, to fund 750 quick-action projects nationwide aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, especially older adults. The funds will support improvements to public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connectivity, disaster preparedness, and other local priorities that help improve social connections and strengthen neighborhoods and towns of all sizes.
“Communities across Iowa are eager for local solutions that boost quality of life and help residents stay connected,” said AARP Iowa State Director Michael Wagler. “Community Challenge grants help transform ideas into real improvements with tangible impact.”
Projects funded in Iowa include:
- Belmond: Iowa Specialty Hospital – Belmond ($15,000) – This project will convert a vacant Main Street lot into an accessible pocket park with seating and shade.
- Cedar Rapids: City of Cedar Rapids ($23,500) – A citywide Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) design competition will focus on universal design and education, increasing awareness of housing options that support aging in place.
- Cedar Rapids: Horizons ($15,000) – A pickleball court will be built as part of a new activity center for adults age 55 and older.
- Des Moines: Oakridge Neighborhood Services ($20,437) – The project will create a computer lab, access to Wi-Fi-enabled devices, and onsite small group digital training for older Iowans. This grant will be funded with support from Microsoft.
- Des Moines: City of Des Moines ($15,000) – The project will add benches, markings, bike racks and other amenities to Riverside Bridge near Principal Park.
- Des Moines: Rebuilding Together Greater Des Moines ($2,500) – Six training sessions will educate participants about low-cost home safety and accessibility enhancements.
- Forest City: Forest City Enhancement Committee ($15,000) – The project will restore the historic Yellow Bridge to reconnect neighborhoods and strengthen links within the local trail system.
- Marion County: Habitat for Humanity of Marion County ($15,000) – The project will fund critical home repairs and safety upgrades, helping homeowners remain in their residences and age in place.
- Marshalltown: Arts + Culture Alliance ($15,000) – A community-led effort will convert a tornado-impacted downtown lot into an accessible pocket plaza with shade, seating and public art.
- Minden: City of Minden ($15,000) – The city will add a covered shelter to tornado-damaged Kahler Park to support gatherings, programs and community connection.
- Sioux City: Siouxland District Health Department ($2,500) – Fall prevention activities will include presentations, balance screenings, in‑home safety assessments and low-cost products to reduce fall risks for older Iowans.
- Solon: Solon Senior Support ($2,500) – Low-cost safety modifications will be installed to help older adults reduce fall risk and remain safely at home.
- Treynor: Treynor’s Tomorrow ($6,120) – This project aims to transform Main Street into a vibrant, community hub through murals, wayfinding signage, and enhanced public space amenities that promote connection, visibility and local pride.
Since 2017, the AARP Community Challenge has awarded $619,911 through 55 grants in Iowa. This booklet highlights previous Iowa Challenge grantees and their unique projects.
Learn more about AARP’s livable communities work at aarp.org/livable.
