Ada County Highway District Commuteride has been selected to receive a 2021 AARP Community Challenge grant in the amount of $35,000.
Out of 3,500 applications, Commuteride is one of only 244 grantees selected from across the country for a Community Challenge grant. Commuteride joins an elite group of six organizations selected for the grant in the state of Idaho.
Commuteride intends to use the resources provided by the AARP Community Challenge to increase funding for its new Commuteride Workspace Mobility Grant, a program to support transportation and mobility improvements among Ada County small businesses and their employees and customers.
The program focuses on assisting local organizations as they work to enhance alternative transportation options for their employees, aligning with Commuterride's mission to promote smart commute options throughout Ada County.
With this additional funding from AARP, the Commuteride Workspace Mobility Grant will provide at least 15 organizations in Ada County with mobility grants. A second round of Commuteride's grant program is planned for 2022, with additional resources anticipated from the City of Boise, pending budget approvals. Applications for the Commuteride Workspace Mobility Grant will be accepted through August 6, 2021.
In a news release from AARP, Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Office Nancy LeaMond stated, "AARP is committed to helping mayors, local leaders and residents strengthen their communities so people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds can thrive. Many of our earlier grants have led to permanent changes, and the program continues to evolve. We are proud to support projects this year that focus on diversity, addressing disparities, coronavirus recovery and engaging 50-plus volunteers to improve their communities."
"AARP is a national leader in 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," shared ACHD Director Bruce Wong. "The support provided by AARP will significantly expand the Commuteride Workspace Mobility Grant, providing additional assistance to small businesses located in Ada County to improve transportation options for their employees."
The AARP Community Challenge is part of AARP's nationwide work on livable communities; it funds innovative projects that inspire change in areas such as transportation, public spaces, housing, diversity and inclusion, civic engagement, coronavirus recovery and more.
AARP grants will help improve public spaces, transportation, housing and civic engagement with an emphasis on the needs of people 50 or older. Many of this year's grants support revitalizing communities adversely impacted by the pandemic and include a focus on diversity, inclusion and disparities.
It is a strong belief of AARP 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.
Learn more about the work being funded by the AARP Community Challenge across the nation - including all 244 granted projects this year. An interactive map of all Community Challenge projects and AARP's livable communities work is available for viewing.
The Commuteride Workspace Mobility Grant provides up to $3,000 in financial assistance to organizations in Ada County with 100 or fewer employees. 501c3 non-profit organizations, registered Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBEs), and organizations serving or employing senior citizens, low-income, minority, or other underserved populations are encouraged to apply.
Grant funds may be used to purchase workplace enhancements and items to support smart commuting such as bike parking, secure bike storage, bike repair stands, lockers, transit or vanpool passes, break room enhancements, carpool/vanpool reserved parking signage, shared bikes/scooters, telework support, and more.
The application period for the Commuteride Workspace Mobility Grant runs through Friday, August 6, 2021. Find more information about the grant and updated eligibility guidelines.