LINCOLN, NEB. — AARP today announced twelve Nebraska organizations will receive 2026 Community Challenge grant funding. 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. Since 2017, AARP Nebraska has awarded 46 grants and $590,494 through the program to nonprofit organizations and government entities across the state.
“Communities across Nebraska are eager for solutions that increase mobility, connection, and quality of life,” said Todd Stubbendieck, State Director for AARP Nebraska. “With AARP’s Community Challenge grants, we’re empowering residents to bring meaningful improvements to life, and this year marks our biggest round of funding yet in the state.”
Five Nebraska organizations have been awarded grants in the “Public Places” flagship category to help create vibrant parks, open spaces, and community amenities across the state. The City of Ralston will add accessible terraces and new benches near a busy intersection and Memorial Plaza, creating comfortable gathering areas that better support people with mobility needs while honoring service members. The Broken Bow Public Library will transform its lawn into an outdoor gathering space with seating, landscaping, and simple games, giving residents a welcoming place to rest, meet, and enjoy downtown events. The Carnegie Arts Center will install new murals during a downtown art festival, expanding a walkable public art corridor that encourages foot traffic and showcases community creativity. The City of Ravenna will construct two outdoor pickleball courts, with concrete surfaces, fencing, and permanent nets, to provide residents with a safer, dedicated place to play and gather. And the Global Leadership Group Omaha will host monthly neighborhood clean-up events, supplying tools, dumpsters, and organized routes for trash removal to improve walkability, safety, and community connection for residents, including adults age 50-plus.
Three Nebraska organizations have been awarded grants in the “Housing” flagship category to expand accessible and affordable housing options across the state. Fremont Area Habitat for Humanity will repair unsafe sidewalks and front porches during a neighborhood volunteer day, helping residents age 50-plus reduce trip hazards, improve home entry, and enjoy safer walkability in established neighborhoods. The Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties will provide home safety upgrades, such as grab bars, improved lighting, and non-slip surfaces, to low-income older adults through its existing weatherization program, supporting safer aging at home. Partners for Livable Omaha/Our Story Small Houses will open two newly built aging‑in‑place homes for guided public tours in an established neighborhood, demonstrating practical design features that promote safe living, independence, and affordability for residents age 50-plus.
Three Nebraska organizations have been awarded grants in the “Transportation” flagship category to expand walkability, bikeability, and transit access across the state. The City of Nebraska City will fill critical sidewalk gaps in one of its oldest neighborhoods, creating new accessible sections that improve pedestrian safety and help residents reach downtown services, shops, and community destinations without walking in traffic. Cedar County Transit will host community information sessions across the rural towns it serves and introduce technology upgrades that make scheduling on‑demand transit easier, supporting reliable access to medical care and daily needs. Lincoln Transportation and Utilities will construct a permanent pedestrian refuge island within an existing crosswalk, allowing people to cross in stages, improving driver visibility, and making it safer to navigate a busy roadway.
One Nebraska organization has been awarded a grant in the “Digital Connections” flagship category to strengthen digital access and digital literacy for older adults. Howard County Senior Citizens, Inc. will introduce new laptops, tablets, and shared equipment to support hands‑on technology lessons for adults age 50‑plus. Participants will learn essential digital navigation skills, including basic device use, printing, and screen sharing, to better access services and stay connected.
“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, AARP, Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer. “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.”