Jonesboro, Arkansas – A new wave of funding is heading to communities across Arkansas, with AARP announcing Wednesday that 13 communities will share $127,697 in 2026 Community Challenge grants aimed at improving daily life, safety, and accessibility for older residents and people of all ages.
The announcement comes as the program marks its 10th anniversary, a milestone year for what has become one of AARP’s most visible community investment efforts nationwide. This year alone, the organization is distributing $8.3 million in grants to support 750 quick-action projects across the United States, including all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
In Arkansas, the selected projects span small towns, mid-size cities, and larger communities, reflecting a broad push to address local needs through practical, hands-on improvements. Officials say the focus remains consistent: improving mobility, strengthening social connection, and helping older adults remain active and independent in their communities.
“Communities across Arkansas are eager for solutions that boost mobility, connection, and quality of life,” said Ashley McBride, Arkansas state director for AARP. “Thanks to Community Challenge grants, we’re empowering residents to implement impactful improvements that make a sizeable difference.”
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Since its launch in 2017, the AARP Community Challenge has invested more than half a million dollars in Arkansas alone, supporting 47 projects that range from sidewalk improvements to community spaces and safety upgrades. Organizers say the newest round continues that same approach, but with an even stronger focus on accessibility, emergency readiness, and digital inclusion.
One of the most common themes in this year’s Arkansas projects is the push to make outdoor and public spaces more welcoming for older residents. In the City of Keiser, for example, fitness equipment, benches, and walking loops will be added to an existing exercise area frequently used by older adults. The same city will also host hands-on disaster preparedness training for residents aged 50 and older, focusing on emergency readiness and community involvement.
In Blytheville, the local Senior Citizens Center will see the creation of an ADA-accessible outdoor classroom, complete with gardens and activity spaces designed to encourage learning and social interaction in an outdoor setting. Meanwhile, Parkin Central Park will receive a marked walking loop with benches, rest areas, and distance markers to help older walkers track progress and rest when needed.
Other projects focus on active living in different forms. The Town of Etowah plans to construct a new pickleball court inside its city park, while Marianna will convert an unused tennis court into multiple pickleball courts with seating areas. Both projects are designed to offer low-impact recreation options that support both physical activity and social engagement.
Safety and preparedness are also central to this year’s funding. In West Memphis, I’m A Part Ministries will conduct home safety training sessions for older adults and families, including demonstrations and affordable safety tools. In Jonesboro, Legacy Lane Collective will distribute emergency kits and host preparedness workshops across housing sites, helping residents prepare for storms, outages, and other unexpected events.
Other communities are focusing on infrastructure and access. Main Street Paris will conduct walk audits to evaluate sidewalk and crossing conditions downtown, while Pine Bluff’s Friends of the Public Library will lead bike audits to identify gaps in safety and connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists. In Conway, Faulkner County Library will restore native prairie habitat and build an ADA-accessible boardwalk and viewing platform for public learning and recreation.
Digital access is another major priority. The City of Little Rock will develop a neighborhood digital access hub offering computers and bilingual assistance, helping residents navigate online services and improve digital skills. In Springfield, the Rural America Economic Development Foundation Inc. will combine a community garden with a digital learning space, creating a shared environment for both technology and social engagement.
Some projects focus directly on strengthening senior centers and community gathering spaces. The Bald Knob Senior Center will undergo improvements designed to enhance safety and create a more welcoming environment for group meals and social activities.
AARP officials say these efforts build on a growing record of impact in Arkansas communities. Past projects include a 2023 upgrade to an aging electrical system at Breakin Bread Community Kitchen in Heber Springs, which allowed the organization to continue serving free meals. In Blytheville in 2022, a grant helped install 20 curb ramps, significantly improving walkability for residents using wheelchairs or strollers.
“America is aging, and most older adults want to stay in the communities they know and love. There are a lot of things that localities can do to support residents of all ages,” said Nancy LeaMond, executive vice president and chief advocacy and engagement officer for AARP. “AARP Community Challenge grants help transform local ideas into real improvements — from safer sidewalks and improved transportation options to public spaces that bring neighbors together and enhance community connections. As we celebrate the program’s 10th year, we’re proud to double our investment so even more communities can become great places to live for people at all stages of life.”
Officials encourage residents to view the full list of grant recipients and projects at aarp.org/communitychallenge, and to learn more about broader livable community initiatives at aarp.org/livable.
The City of Keiser welcomed the announcement with appreciation, highlighting its planned disaster preparedness program for older adults. In a statement, city officials said: “We’re excited to announce that the City of Keiser has been selected as a 2026 AARP Micro Grant recipient! This funding will support our Disaster Training & Resilience Program for older adults — helping ensure our seniors are better prepared, safer, and more confident when emergencies occur. Thank you to AARP for investing in small towns like ours and supporting projects that strengthen communities.”
With projects now set to roll out across the state, communities from rural towns to urban neighborhoods are preparing to turn grant funding into visible changes — from safer sidewalks to new learning spaces — all aimed at making Arkansas more livable for residents of every age.
