BISMARCK – AARP has announced 11 organizations throughout North Dakota will receive 2026 Community Challenge grants to support improvements to improve social connections and strengthen neighbors.

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.

“These projects are about turning great local ideas into real improvements that make everyday life better, especially for older North Dakotans,” said Janelle Moos, AARP ND Advocacy director.

The City of Columbus will receive funds to help upgrade a community center to create a more comfortable and accessible gathering place for local residents, especially older adults.

The McHenry County Historical Society & Museum in Towner will use funds to install a chairlift in a restored historic building to help adults age 50-plus and people with disabilities safely reach the upper‒level museum space. This will enable visitors with mobility challenges to take advantage of local resources.

The Mountrail County Garden Club, Stanley, will direct its grant to building a gazebo with seating near a popular butterfly garden. The structure will provide shade, resting space and a venue for educational events for visitors of all ages.

The City of Williston’s project will demonstrate a traffic calming method in three intersections that are difficult for pedestrians, including older and low-income neighbors, as well as school children from the surrounding neighborhood and neighborhood school.

“We are incredibly proud that AARP selected the City of Williston for this investment to help make Williston more livable for residents of all ages,” David Juma, city engineer, said in a news release. “AARP is a national leader in supporting communities to become more livable, and we are honored they recognize the value and impact this project will bring to our area.”

Williston’s project will respond to citizen concerns about traffic speeds at three Y-shaped intersections. The city will temporarily install a traffic circle at each intersection, measuring speeds and pedestrian safety for two weeks in September. The demonstration project will guide decisions in investing taxpayer dollars, according to the city.

Carrington Rainbow Gardens, Carrington, received funding for the first phase of a public garden enhancement that will add smooth concrete walkways and resting spots to create clear, accessible movement. These features will make it easier to walk through the gardens and spend time outdoors near downtown services.

Spirit Lake Senior Services, Ft. Totten, will add high‒speed internet, computers and printers to two local senior centers. Guided workshops will help adults age 50-plus build digital skills and reduce isolation by providing reliable access to online resources.

Others receiving grants were Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health for murals and mosaics at the Age Well Center; City of Casselton for additions to a downtown green space; Garden of Healing Park in Fargo for raised garden beds; Hoof It Forward, Fort Rice, for wheelchair‒accessible ramps and portable equipment to expand access to equine‒assisted activities and a mobile unit to deliver adaptive wellness programs to rural communities; and Rebuilding Together of Fargo-Moorhead Area, West Fargo, for rural training sessions to teach families how to make their homes safer and more accessible.

Additionally, AARP North Dakota is highlighting communities that have previously received Community Challenge grants during a six-city tour.

As part of the tour, AARP will have booths at the Pierce County Fair in Rugby on June 26 and will be at Pickle Palooza in Minot on June 27. The booths will feature popup livability demonstrations and hands-on activities. AARP representatives will share the ways past Community Challenge grants have transformed spaces and provide information on how to apply for the 2027 grants.

Minot’s Downtown Business and Professional Association received a Community Challenge grant in 2020 for public art installations.

The Geographical Center Historical Society received a grant in 2021 for community gardens, and the Rugby Chamber of Commerce received a grant in 2025 for park improvements.

Since 2017, the AARP Community Challenge has awarded $432,858 through 44 grants in North Dakota to nonprofit organizations and local government entities across the state.