According to AARP South Dakota, nine organizations across the state will receive 2026 Community Challenge grants totaling $125,800 to support local projects.
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 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.
The national grant program has awarded more than $515,000 in grants to 50 nonprofit organizations and local government entities across South Dakota since 2017.
“Communities across South Dakota are eager for solutions that boost mobility, connection and quality of life,” said AARP State Director Erik Gaikowski. “Thanks to AARP Community Challenge grants, we’re empowering residents to create impactful improvements that truly make a difference in their communities.”
Projects across South Dakota reflect growing demand for practical, local solutions that help residents stay connected, safe and independent, including:
- Mobridge Housing & Redevelopment Commission – To help reduce fall risk and support safe aging at home, install home safety upgrades, such as grab bars, ramps and guardrails for older adults and people with mobility challenges.
- Gregory Economic Development Group – Transform an empty lot into a small public park featuring shade, seating, games and space for seasonal activities. The park will provide a safe, comfortable place to gather, stay active and connect with neighbors.
- Hardy Rosarians of South Dakota (Aberdeen) – Install two permanent benches near the rose gardens at a local arboretum, providing visitors with a safe, comfortable place to rest, enjoy nature and socialize.
- Estelline Economic Development – Improve Gazebo Park with accessible walking paths, safer crossings, new seating, better lighting and landscaping.
- Spearfish Trail Access + Activation Initiative – Enhance new trails near Spearfish Canyon with benches, rest areas, kiosks and clear signage. Create free “Learn to Ride” clinics to help trail users enjoy safer, more accessible outdoor activities.
- Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc. – Pilot a one-day winter market in a downtown area with heated tents, seating and clear pathways to help people gather comfortably outdoors in cold weather.
- Brookings Regional Impact Fund – Rebuild restrooms in a downtown building to create fully accessible, clearly signed facilities. This will provide residents and visitors with a safe, comfortable option while spending time in the city center.
- City of Viborg – Upgrade a popular park and make it more suitable for community gatherings and events by improving restroom accessibility, adding benches and enhancing lighting around the bandstand.
- Sioux Area Metro (Sioux Falls) – Upgrade a frequently-used city bus with digital route displays, improved lighting and more comfortable seating to make public transit easier and safer, especially for older adults.
“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.”
AARP Community Challenge grant projects will be funded in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. View the full list of grantees and their project descriptions at aarp.org/communitychallenge and learn more about AARP’s livable communities work at aarp.org/livable.
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