AARP announced Wednesday that twelve Nebraska organizations will receive 2026 Community Challenge grant funding. This marks the program’s tenth anniversary. According to AARP Nebraska, the grants are part of an 8.3 million dollar 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.
Among the twelve Nebraska organizations chosen to receive funding was the Broken Bow Public Library. The grant will help create an outdoor gathering space in front of the library. Broken Bow Public Library Director Megan Svoboda told KCNI/KBBN that a story about the Callaway community receiving funds from the program is what prompted her to inquire about the grant.
“Well, honestly, we saw a story on Sandhills Express where the Callaway community received an AARP grant and then we thought, well, I’ll be watching for that and see if we can think of a way to maybe apply and utilize that here in our community.”
Svoboda shared what made them choose this project.
“Well, we have had several people make recommendations of us having more seating available outside so they would be able to enjoy gathering or maybe eating their picnic lunches. So, we thought that would be a good addition to our library and our community.”
Svoboda said the plan for the outdoor patio project is for it to come together rather quickly for people to enjoy.
“You know, this will be a very quick project. We have to have everything in place and the ribbon cutting completed this year and all of the paperwork is due in December. So, it will be hopefully this summer and fall when we will get this all installed.”
AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer, Nancy LeaMond, said in a statement, “AARP Community Challenge grants help transform local ideas into real improvements. As we celebrate the program’s tenth year, we’re proud to double our investment so even more communities can become great places to live for people at all stages of life.”
