AARP awards grants to five Arkansas organizations to benefit local communities

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Five Arkansas community-focused organizations will benefit from grants announced Friday.

An AARP Arkansas release said the five grants were part of its 2024 Community Challenge grants. Officials said the grants announced Friday were part of a $3.8 million award package to 343 organizations nationwide.

Officials said the Arkansas grants—two going to cities, one to a college and two going to not-for-profit organizations—are intended to improve community livability by improving public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connections, and more. The improvements are primarily intended for users who are 50-plus years old.

The funded groups are:

• The City of Keiser: Is using its grant to reimagine a local park, focusing on the needs of older adults. The park will include low-impact exercise equipment, accessible walking tracks, shade and comfortable seating.
• The City of Pine Bluff: Is using its funding to conduct three bike audits led by community members who are 50-plus years old to determine where to add bike lanes to create safer transportation in the city.
• South Arkansas College: The El Dorado institution plans to use its grant funding to teach a series of volunteer-led digital and financial literacy classes tailored to older adults.
• Melosong C.I.T.Y: An England community-based non-profit that operates the Ollie Woodard/Cassie Stewart Serenity Garden. Funds will help add amenities such as a bike rack and repair station, circuit training equipment, interactive musical instruments and a farm stand to distribute fruits and vegetables.
• Breakin’ Bread Community Kitchen: This Heber Springs community kitchen provides free meals to those in need. This grant will help the organization replace a broken heating and air conditioning unit in its community dining room.

Officials said the grant projects are quick-action and must be completed by Dec. 15 to maintain eligibility.

AARP Arkansas state director Ashley McBride said the grants reflect the organization’s commitment.

“AARP Arkansas is committed to working with local leaders, advocates and policymakers to make our communities better places to live for Arkansans of all ages, especially those 50 and older,” McBride said. “We are proud to collaborate with this year’s grantees as they make immediate improvements to address long-standing and emerging challenges across our communities.”

Funding support came from Toyota Motor North America, officials said.