AARP accepting Community Challenge grant applications
AARP Hawaii invites local organizations and governments across the state to apply for the 2022 AARP Community Challenge grant program through March 22.
Grants fund quick-action projects that help communities become more livable in the long-term by improving public spaces, transportation, housing, civic engagement, coronavirus recovery, diversity and inclusion, and more. Now in its sixth year, 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.
“AARP Hawaii is excited to kick-off the Community Challenge again in 2022 to continue helping communities across Hawaii become great places for people of all backgrounds, abilities and ages, especially people 50-plus,” said Kealii Lopez, state director. “The program has proven that quick-action projects can lead to long-lasting improvements right where people live.”
AARP will prioritize proposals that are inclusive, address disparities, directly engage volunteers, support residents age 50 and older and aim to achieve one or more of the following outcomes:
• Support communities’ efforts to build engagement and leverage funding available under new federal programs through laws like the American Rescue Plan Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and more.
• Create vibrant public places that improve open spaces, parks and access to other amenities. Projects funded in Hawaii last year included an intergenerational mural at Kailua Intermediate School, a travelling theater in East Hawaii and a parklet in Kalihi.
• Deliver a range of transportation and mobility options that increase connectivity, walkability, bikeability, wayfinding, access to transportation options and roadway improvements.
• Support a range of housing options that increases the availability of accessible and affordable choices.
• Ensure a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion while improving the built and social environment of a community.
• Increase civic engagement with innovative and tangible projects that bring residents and local leaders together to address challenges and facilitate a greater sense of inclusion.
• Other community improvements; including health services, community development, and coronavirus pandemic recovery.
Since 2017, AARP has awarded over 800 grants – including 17 in Hawaii – through the Community Challenge to nonprofit organizations and government entities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Grants in Hawaii ranged from $500 to $25,000 and totaled $184,836 over the last four years.
The Community Challenge is open to 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(6) nonprofits and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Grants can range from several hundred dollars for small, short-term activities to tens of thousands for larger projects. All projects must be completed by Nov. 30.
To submit an application and view past grantees, visit AARP.org/CommunityChallenge.
Kona Japanese Civic Association to award scholarships
The Kona Japanese Civic Association will award two $1,500 scholarships to high school seniors in West Hawaii with financial needs who will be attending an accredited two- or four-year college or university. Home-schooled seniors and students of any ethnic background are invited to apply.
The applicants will be judged on a 600-word essay based on their awareness of and how the Japanese culture influenced them, as well as financial need, academic achievement, involvement in extracurricular high school activities and volunteer with community organizations.
Applications must be postmarked by March 18 and are available online at www.konajapanesecivicassociation.org.
For more information, contact Jo Ann Iwane at malobrka@gmail.com or Claudia Chang at cschang713@yahoo.com.