Grants seek to assist residents of every age, particularly older adults, by enhancing daily living, mobility, and neighborhood connections via creative local initiatives

AARP has chosen 10 organizations across Mississippi for 2026 Community Challenge grants. Marking the tenth anniversary of the initiative, the awards form part of an $8.3 million pledge by AARP, which doubles the prior year's amount, to support 750 rapid projects nationwide focused on creating more age-friendly places for people of all ages, especially older adults. The resources will aid upgrades to public areas, transit options, housing, online access, emergency readiness, and other community needs that foster social ties and reinforce towns and cities of varying sizes.

"Towns throughout Mississippi seek practical answers that enhance movement, interaction, and overall well-being," noted AARP Mississippi State Director Kimberly L. Campbell, Esq. "Through Community Challenge grants, we enable locals to carry out meaningful changes that deliver real impact."

From 2017 onward, the AARP Community Challenge has distributed $500,528 via 38 awards in Mississippi to nonprofit groups and municipal bodies statewide. Funded efforts will reach all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Efforts in Mississippi highlight rising interest in hands-on, community-driven fixes that keep residents linked, secure, and self-reliant, such as:

Bolivar County Long-term Disaster - Emergency radios, readiness supplies, and instructional sessions will reach residents in Mound Bayou aged 50 and above in flood- and storm-vulnerable zones of the Mississippi Delta. These tools will enable quicker alerts and safer actions amid harsh weather events.

Center for Entrepreneurship - Neglected parcels in Jackson will become accessible gardens and a compact market zone featuring raised plots, walkways, and vendor spots. The upgrades will allow locals to cultivate produce, stroll safely, and engage in small business activities nearby.

Central Mississippi, Inc. - Flexible transport services in Winona will cover several rural counties to aid adults over 50 in accessing healthcare, food, and essential services. Broader transit options will ease travel barriers for those distant from shops and medical facilities.

City of Pontotoc - Bicycle safety lines and markers will appear along a high-traffic road to the Tanglefoot Trail. The additions will promote safer sharing of the roadway between cyclists and motorists while easing links between the trail and the town center.

Downtown Hattiesburg Farmers Market - The farmers market will introduce accessible parking, improved pathways, a bridge to nearby facilities, and a shaded rest zone at its updated site. These features will support safer shopping for local goods and greater comfort for older adults.

Greater Greenville Housing and Revitalization Association, Inc. - Concrete planter boxes will line a downtown walkway to separate foot traffic from vehicles. The planters will boost pedestrian ease and help people of every age travel more securely.

The Joyspreaders Inc. - Age-friendly exercise elements, clear indicators, and organized wellness sessions will be installed at High Street Park in Jackson. The work will encourage adults 50 and older to use the area confidently for routine activity and nearby social engagement.

Town of Crenshaw - The town will develop a fresh park and place welcome markers at main entries. Residents aged 50 and above will assist with planting blooms, forming a more inviting spot for community gatherings and outdoor pursuits.

Town of Lena - Worn portions of a well-used walking path will be fixed and a sheltered pavilion with seating will be added. These steps will yield safer walking surfaces and a shaded area for breaks and casual meetups.

Saltillo Main Street - The city will continue sidewalk extensions from a recent downtown renewal into adjacent blocks. Unbroken paths will heighten safety and improve reach to local shops while advancing ongoing work.

"The nation is growing older, and most older adults prefer to remain in familiar communities. Local areas can take many steps to aid residents at every life stage," said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer. "AARP Community Challenge grants turn local concepts into tangible upgrades - from safer walkways and better transit choices to shared spaces that unite neighbors and build stronger ties. As we mark the program's tenth year, we are pleased to increase our support so more places can serve people well throughout their lives."

Review the complete roster of recipients and their initiatives on the AARP website. Discover more about AARP efforts for livable communities on the AARP site.

About AARP

AARP stands as the country's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan group committed to empowering Americans 50 and older to decide how they age. With a broad national reach, AARP builds stronger communities and champions priorities for over 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families, including health protection, financial security, and personal satisfaction. AARP also drives marketplace innovation by developing fresh solutions and offering select high-quality goods and services under the AARP name. As a reliable provider of news and insights, AARP publishes the nation's widest-read magazines, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. For further details, visit the AARP site or follow AARP on social media.

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SOURCE AARP Mississippi