Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Program

The Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Program is a federal funding opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Administration for Community Living, specifically within the Center for Innovation and Partnership and the Office of Interagency Innovation. This program is designed to expand access to assistive technology for older adults and individuals with disabilities by supporting financing mechanisms that reduce cost barriers. The initiative aligns with broader federal priorities focused on affordability, independence, and community living, recognizing that many individuals lack sufficient resources to obtain assistive devices through traditional funding sources such as Medicaid or Medicare. The primary purpose of this program is to establish or expand Alternative Financing Programs that provide affordable access to assistive technology devices and services. These programs must offer financing solutions such as low-interest loan funds, revolving loan funds, loan guarantees, interest buy-down programs, or other approved mechanisms. The program emphasizes consumer choice and control, ensuring that individuals across all ages, disability types, income levels, and living situations can access financing for assistive technology that supports their independence, employment, education, and health outcomes. Funding under this opportunity supports a one-year project period and is intended to build sustainable financing systems that continue beyond the federal award. Grant recipients are required to develop administrative policies and procedures within the first three months, including systems for reviewing applications for financial assistance, ensuring equitable access, promoting consumer control, and incorporating financial education and credit-building activities. Recipients must also establish restricted accounts for managing federal funds and ensure that all funds are used exclusively for program implementation and sustainability. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is broad and includes state and local governments, tribal governments and organizations, public housing authorities, school districts, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. While the program is not limited to disability-focused organizations, there is a clear emphasis on entities that serve or are directed by individuals with disabilities. Individuals and foreign entities are not eligible to apply. Faith-based and community organizations that meet eligibility requirements are permitted to compete for funding. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes several key components such as a project narrative, budget narrative, standard federal forms, and supporting documentation. The project narrative is central to the evaluation process and must address problem statements, goals and objectives, intervention strategies, project management, measurable outcomes, and evaluation methods. Applications are reviewed through a merit-based scoring system that evaluates relevance, approach, impact, organizational capacity, and budget justification. Final funding decisions also consider alignment with agency priorities and available funding. Applications for this funding opportunity are due by July 22, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Awards are expected to be announced by September 30, 2026, with the project period beginning on the same date. The performance period spans 12 months. Applicants must ensure that they are registered with SAM.gov and Grants.gov prior to submission. Questions regarding the program, eligibility, or application process can be directed to designated program and financial contacts within the Administration for Community Living. This funding opportunity does not require cost sharing, and matching funds are not considered in the review process.

Focus on clear measurable outcomes and strong implementation plans; align proposal with ACL priorities on access and affordability; demonstrate sustainability beyond federal funding