MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The AARP of Michigan is looking to expand the wellness of aging communities throughout the state with an upcoming grant initiative.
The Michigan Age-Friendly Communities Grant Program will select five non-profit organizations to be awarded $10,000 in funds later this year. The funds will be given for projects that may include improvements to outdoor spaces, transportation, housing accessibility, socialization opportunities, or comfortable livability for residents 50 or older.
Beginning in 2024, the grant program is similar to the AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly Communities. Currently, out of the state’s 13, Escanaba is the only one in the U.P.
“These are a bit separate programs from our age-friendly communities program,” explained Michigan AARP Senior Communications Analyst, Sadie Shattuck. “We encourage other communities to get involved in these grant opportunities to hopefully get some support for some age-friendly local initiatives across the U.P.”
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, government agencies, tribal entities, and community groups with a qualified fiscal sponsor. For-profit organizations and projects involving partisan activity, land acquisition, sponsorships, or standalone research are not eligible.
Applications open on May 15, 2026, and close July 15, 2026. Awardees will be announced August 31, 2026, and funded projects must be completed within 180 days of award notification. Final reports are due February 28, 2027.
More information on the Michigan Age-Friendly Communities Grant Program can be found at aarp.org.
