AARP Arizona is making grants available for towns and cities around the state to invest in "quick-hit" projects to make their communities more livable for citizens of all ages.

The organization is taking applications for its Community Challenge grants.

Angela Schultz, associate state director of advocacy and outreach for AARP Arizona, said the grants do not have to be large to make a big difference in communities around the state, as they have for years.

"Some of the grants include crosswalks and sidewalks, artistic crosswalks, adding shades, benches, picnic tables to parks, sculptures and arts to public places, garden beds to shade structures to community gardens, creating casitas and tiny homes, and walking paths and bike lanes," Schultz outlined.

Schultz added other grants have made on-demand transportation options available for people 50 and older and created new green spaces and parks. The deadline to apply is March 4.

AARP is doubling the awards of their flagship grants, a subset of the larger Community Challenge program. Schultz noted communities and nonprofits can be creative in their applications for the grants. Last year, eight flagship grants were awarded in Arizona.

"Creating more vibrant public places and expanding transportation and mobility," Schultz emphasized. "I just think it's a really neat, creative way for communities to make a difference in their communities, to make them just more safe, accessible and inclusive for all people."

The grants can range in size from just a few hundred to $25,000 depending on the scope of the project.