June 26, 2024
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 26, 2024
CONTACT:
Jess Kinser, Associate State Director – Communications
AARP Nebraska
Office: 402-323-5434 | Cell: 402-870-7765 | jkinser@aarp.org
AARP Nebraska Awards Grant to Phelps County Community Foundation as Part of Nationwide Program to Make Communities More Livable
LINCOLN, NEB. — AARP Nebraska is pleased to announce Phelps County Community Foundation in
Holdrege, Nebraska, will be awarded $15,000 through their 2024 Community Challenge grant—part of AARP’s
largest investment in communities to date with $3.8 million awarded among 343 organizations nationwide.
Grantees will implement quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public
places, transportation, housing, digital connections and more, with an emphasis on the needs of adults ages
50 and older.
“AARP Nebraska is committed to working with local leaders, advocates and policymakers to make our
communities better places to live for Nebraskans of all ages, especially those 50 and older,” said Todd
Stubbendieck, State Director for AARP Nebraska. “We’re proud to collaborate with this year’s grantees as
they make immediate improvements to address long-standing and emerging challenges across our
communities.”
This year, AARP awarded three different grant opportunities, including flagship grants, capacity-building
microgrants for improving walkability, bikeability and accessible home modifications, and demonstration
grants that focus on equitable engagement to reconnect communities, housing choice design competitions
and improving digital connections to endure disasters.
Phelps County was awarded under the category of “Flagship Grant – Public Places.” Their Midtown
Sculpture Garden in Holdrege will be an accessible, inclusive space where community members of all ages
can gather and enjoy art, the beauty of the outdoors, music and friends.
The grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of
cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for people of all ages, with an
emphasis on people ages 50 and older. Since 2017, AARP Nebraska has awarded 29 grants and $366,086
through the program to nonprofit organizations and government entities across the state.
With funding support from Toyota Motor North America, the AARP Community Challenge Grant program is
increasing its investment in pedestrian safety projects that will improve streets and sidewalks, create vibrant
pedestrian infrastructure, engage community members and much more. AARP is also bolstering its investment
in community resilience, rural communities, and addressing disparities.
AARP Community Challenge grant projects will be funded in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and
the U.S. Virgin Islands. True to the program’s quick-action nature, projects must be completed by December
15, 2024. 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.
About AARP
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older
to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and
advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health
security, financial stability, and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation
publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp,
www.aarp.org/espanol, or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol, and @AARPadvocates on social media.