Ecolibrium3 is thrilled to announce that we have been selected as a 2026 AARP Community Challenge grantee. 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 $13,000 Community Challenge Grant, Eco3 will expand Lincoln Park Community Hub programming for older adults and community members of all ages. The newly renovated Lincoln Park Community Hub will host hands-on technology classes for older adults using curriculum from the AARP-backed Senior Planet program. Senior Planet programs offer classes that equip older adults with tools and skills to access technology and use it to enhance their lives. Eco3 will recruit a cohort of Digital Navigator volunteers to deliver Senior Planet classes, prioritizing volunteers 50 and older to serve as peer mentors. A series of structured workshops will be offered, ranging from computer basics to telehealth navigation to social connection in a digital world.
“We’re incredibly proud to receive this investment from AARP to advance our Age-Friendly efforts and make Duluth a better place to live for all ages, abilities and backgrounds,” said Georgia Lane, Director of Aging Initiatives with Ecolibrium3. “Since 2021, Eco3 has proudly co-led the Duluth Age-Friendly initiative alongside Duluth Aging Support and a growing network of community partners. By offering AARP’s Senior Planet classes, we can address the digital literacy gap and support people to stay connected and informed in a rapidly changing digital world.”
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. 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.
With this investment, Ecolibrium3 plans to launch classes this fall. To learn more or receive updates, sign up for our newsletter, follow Ecolibrium3 on social media, email info@ecolibrium3.org, or call 218-336-1038.