Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Program

The Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Program is administered by the Administration for Community Living within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, specifically through the Center for Innovation and Partnership and the Office of Interagency Innovation. This federal funding opportunity is designed to expand access to assistive technology for older adults and individuals with disabilities by addressing affordability barriers. The program aligns with broader federal priorities focused on economic security, health, and accessibility, emphasizing the importance of enabling individuals to live independently and participate fully in their communities. The primary purpose of this program is to support the establishment or expansion of Alternative Financing Programs that provide financial assistance mechanisms for acquiring assistive technology devices and services. These mechanisms may include low interest loan funds, revolving loan funds, loan guarantees, interest buy down programs, insurance programs, or other approved financing approaches. The initiative recognizes that traditional funding sources such as Medicaid and Medicare often fall short in meeting demand, and it seeks to create sustainable financing options that promote consumer choice and long term program viability. Funding under this opportunity is provided as a one year grant with a defined performance period. Grant funds must be used to support both the administrative and operational aspects of financing programs, including capitalization of loan funds and program infrastructure. Funds are required to be placed in restricted accounts and used solely for program purposes. Allowable uses focus on financing access to assistive technology, while unallowable costs include construction, major rehabilitation, and basic research activities. There is no cost sharing requirement, although voluntary contributions may be included but are not considered in the review process. Eligibility for this program is broad and inclusive, covering a range of public and nonprofit entities. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofit organizations with 501c3 status, institutions of higher education, tribal governments and organizations, and public housing authorities. The program is designed to serve individuals of all ages with disabilities, as well as older adults with functional needs, without restrictions based on income level, disability type, or geographic residence within the United States. Foreign entities and individuals are not eligible to apply. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes several key components such as a project narrative, budget narrative, and supporting documentation. Applicants must demonstrate a clear plan for program implementation, sustainability, and measurable outcomes. Required elements include administrative policies, fiscal assurances, and strategies for ensuring consumer choice and credit building activities. Applications are evaluated based on criteria including program need, approach, project management, expected impact, organizational capacity, and budget justification. The timeline for this funding opportunity includes a firm application deadline of July 22, 2026, with submissions due by 1159 PM Eastern Time. Awards are expected to be announced by September 30, 2026, with the project period beginning shortly thereafter. The program is structured as a single year funding cycle, though future funding may depend on congressional appropriations and program performance. Applicants are encouraged to ensure all registrations, including SAM.gov and Grants.gov, are completed in advance due to processing time requirements. Evaluation of applications is conducted through a competitive merit review process. Reviewers assess alignment with program goals, quality of proposed interventions, feasibility of implementation, and the potential for measurable outcomes. Additional considerations include the applicant’s past performance, financial management capacity, and alignment with federal priorities. Successful applicants must comply with federal reporting requirements, including financial and performance reports, and adhere to all applicable regulations and grant conditions throughout the project period.

Focus on measurable outcomes, sustainability planning, and strong implementation design aligned with consumer choice principles