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Happy Friday! Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a time to celebrate a life dedicated to service, courage, and hope. As we remember Dr. King’s powerful vision of equality and peace, we are called to carry his legacy forward through acts of kindness, justice, and community engagement.
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In the rest of this week's eblast, you can read about the AARP Community Challenge Grant Program, TBD, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
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AARP CT is inviting eligible local nonprofit organizations and government entities to apply for the 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant program. This initiative funds quick-action projects that make communities more livable by enhancing public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connectivity, and more.
This year, AARP will award over $8 million in grants as part of its nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods, and rural areas to become great places to live, especially for residents age 50 and older. All project application must be consistent with AARP's mission to serve the needs of people 50 and over and meet other eligibility criteria. The Community Challenge is open to eligible 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis.
This application cycle, AARP has three different grant opportunities:
- Flagship grants support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; and disaster resilience. Awards range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000.
- Capacity-building microgrants are paired with expert support, webinars, and cohort learning for projects to improve walkability and bikeability; implement safe, accessible home modifications; and disaster preparedness training. Awards are $2,500.
- Demonstration grants fund projects that encourage replication of exemplary local efforts. This year’s focus is on improving pedestrian safety, with funding support from Toyota Motor North America; expanding high-speed internet access and adoption, with funding support from Microsoft; and housing choice design competitions. Awards typically range from $10,000-$20,000, not to exceed $25,000.
Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on March 4th, 2026. Learn more and apply here.
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| From the development of the Early Childhood Education Endowment to the influx of Special Education funding, 2026 is looking BRIGHT for the future of education in Connecticut. You can read more about these initiatives in the graphics below. |
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This week, Governor Lamont announced the launch of the Connecticut Content Creator Collaborative, or C4. This is a new digital platform designed to connect businesses, organizations, and agencies with content creators and influencers who authentically represent Connecticut.
C4 serves as a centralized, searchable database where content creators can list their profiles at no cost, and where businesses can easily discover, filter, and connect with creators based on industry focus, geography, audience demographics, and content specialty, from lifestyle and culinary to travel, culture, family, and entrepreneurship.
Users can explore creators by:
- Content category (culinary, lifestyle, travel, family, culture, business)
- Geographic focus
- Audience demographics
- Platform reach and specialties
C4 is free for creators to join, boosting visibility, credibility, and access to new opportunities while giving businesses a trusted, efficient way to find partners who bring stories to life.
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If you have any issues, concerns, or feedback, I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to contact me at 860-240-8585 if you ever need anything or by email at maryam.khan@cga.ct.gov.
Sincerely,
Maryam Khan |
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