Chatham Literacy is thrilled to announce that we have been selected to receive a 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant. This year, only 750 grantees were chosen from 5,100 applications from across all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
With this quick-action grant, we will offer digital classes using refurbished laptops, WiFi access, and local pop-up labs led by trained volunteers. Participants will build basic online skills to access services, communicate and use technology more confidently. This project will advance our efforts to make Chatham County a place where people of all ages can thrive.
“We were thrilled to receive an AARP Community Challenge Grant! We are Chatham Literacy in Chatham County, North Carolina and we were funded to conduct three 8-week computer courses with free laptops for participants, as well as, to develop computer clubs that will provide drop-in tutoring to offer follow-up, support and guidance on computer-related concerns and needs. Thank you AARP for helping us to close the digital divide in Chatham County!” – Vicki Newell, Executive Director, Chatham Literacy
About the AARP Community Challenge
The AARP Community Challenge grant program supports projects that improve public places,
housing, transportation, digital connectivity, disaster resilience, and more. In 2026, Toyota Motor
North America is funding pedestrian safety projects that aim to enhance streets and sidewalks
nationwide. Microsoft is supporting digital connections projects aimed at expanding access to and
adoption of high-speed internet (broadband).
These grants are part of AARP’s broader Livable Communities initiative, which helps
neighborhoods, towns, cities, and counties across the country become great places for people of
all ages. AARP believes communities should offer:
- Safe, walkable streets
- Affordable and accessible housing and transportation options
- Access to essential services
- Opportunities for residents to engage and participate fully in community life
To explore all 750 projects funded this year – or to view an interactive map of current and past
Community Challenge projects – visit AARP.org/CommunityChallenge. Learn more about AARP’s
nationwide Livable Communities work at AARP.org/Livable.