We’ve been selected as a 2020 AARP Community Challenge Grantee!
The 712 Initiative is thrilled to announce we’ve been selected to receive an AARP Community Challenge grant. We are one of only 184 grantees selected from across all 50 states, Washington D.C, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
With this “quick-action” grant, The 712 Initiative was awarded funding to improve Council Bluffs by activating the 100 Block passageway. Creating a safe and inviting gathering place where people of all ages can engage with each other to enjoy art and interactive activities/games.
“We are excited to be a recipient of this grant to activate the 100 Block passageway. The goal is to bring attention and life to the space. In the following weeks we will be working to install festoon lighting and a mural to the space.”
– Lynn Dittmer, Director of Redevelopment
The funding will also coordinate public and private partnerships to encourage the volunteer spirit of the community. The 712 Initiative will be working on popup activities for the passageway and soon will be seeking public input for what activities should be included. Keep an eye on our social media channels for ways to be involved.
We are incredibly proud that AARP selected The 712 initiative to receive this grant. AARP is a nationwide leader on making neighborhoods, towns, and cities more livable for all residents and we are honored that they see the tangible value this project will bring to our community.
About the Community Challenge
The Community Challenge funds innovative projects that inspire change in areas such as transportation, public spaces, housing, smart cities, civic engagement, coronavirus response and more.
It’s all part of AARP’s nationwide work on livable communities, which supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and counties across the country to become great places for all residents. AARP believes that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; affordable and accessible housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents to participate in community life.
To learn more about the work being funded by the AARP Community Challenge across the nation – including all 184 granted projects this year, visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge. You can also view an interactive map of all Community Challenge projects and AARP’s livable communities work at aarp.org/livable.
