Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Program
🏛 Administration for Community Living (HHS-ACL)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations seeking to establish or expand alternative financing programs that help individuals with disabilities access assistive technology devices and services. Eligible applicants typically include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, community-based organizations, state and local agencies, and other entities with demonstrated experience in disability services or assistive technology. The program supports activities nationwide and encourages partnerships with vocational rehabilitation agencies, consumer organizations, and financial institutions. Eligible activities include developing loan programs, lease options, device recycling initiatives, and financing mechanisms that reduce cost barriers to assistive technology access. Organizations must show capacity to serve individuals with disabilities and commit to making assistive technology more affordable and accessible to underserved populations.
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Key dates
- Jun 22, 2026 Applications open
- Jul 22, 2026 Application deadline in 6 days
- Sep 1, 2026 Award announced
- Sep 1, 2026 Project start
Program description
The purpose of the Assistive Technology (AT) Alternative Financing Program (AFP) is to support programs that provide for the purchase of AT, such as a low-interest loan fund, an interest buy-down program, a revolving loan fund, a loan guarantee, or an insurance program, that results in the acquisition of AT devices and services. Applicants for the AT AFP grant awards are required to provide an assurance that, and information describing the manner in which, the AT AFP will expand and emphasize consumer choice and control. Applicants should incorporate credit-building activities in their programs, including financial education and information about other possible funding sources. Successful applicants must emphasize consumer choice and control and build programs that will provide financing for the full array of AT devices and services and ensure that all people with disabilities, regardless of type of disability or health condition, age, level of income, and residence, have access to the program.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- Nonprofits
- Public University
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- SF-424 Supplement (if applicable)
- Project narrative describing the proposed assistive technology financing program
- Detailed budget and budget narrative
- Organizational background and history
- Letters of support and memoranda of understanding from partner organizations
- Documentation of organizational capacity and relevant experience
- Evaluation plan describing how program success will be measured
- Sustainability plan for ongoing program operation
- Evidence of need (data, needs assessments, community input)
Program contact
- 👤 Robert Groenendaal
- 📧 Robert.Groenendaal@acl.hhs.gov
- 📞 (202) 795-7356
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.469 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$700,000
-
$700,000
-
$691,323
-
$649,987
-
$645,408
-
$640,343
-
$521,594
-
$521,593
-
$521,593
-
$410,645
Top States by Funding
- WA 2 awards $1.2M
- PA 1 awards $0.7M
- MI 1 awards $0.7M
- MD 1 awards $0.6M
- GA 1 awards $0.6M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.469). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $2,000,000 | |
| 2025 | $2,000,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $2,000,000 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Nonprofits, state/local government agencies, and community-based organizations with experience in disability services or assistive technology are typical applicants. Applicants must be able to demonstrate organizational capacity and commitment to serving individuals with disabilities.
What types of assistive technology financing programs can be funded?
Programs may include device loan programs, equipment leasing, device refurbishment and recycling, equipment purchase financing, or other innovative financing mechanisms that increase accessibility and affordability.
What is the geographic scope of this program?
This is a nationwide program. Applicants can serve any geographic area, though serving underserved or rural populations may be considered favorably.
How competitive is this funding?
Competition is typically moderate to high. Strong applications demonstrate clear need, realistic implementation plans, sustainability strategies, and partnerships with relevant stakeholders in the disability community.
What is the typical funding range?
Specific award amounts vary by year and funding availability. Most grants range from modest planning awards to larger implementation grants. Contact the Administration for Community Living for current funding parameters.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Build a coalition of partners including disability organizations, financial institutions, vocational rehabilitation agencies, and consumer advocacy groups to strengthen your application and demonstrate community support.
- Clearly articulate the specific assistive technology access barriers in your target population and show data demonstrating unmet demand for financing options in your service area.
- Develop a detailed sustainability plan explaining how the program will continue beyond the grant period, including business model assumptions, revenue projections, and contingency strategies.
- Focus on serving underserved populations such as low-income individuals, rural communities, or specific disability populations with high unmet assistive technology needs.
- Include letters of support and partnership commitments from financial institutions, disability organizations, and other stakeholders who will actively participate in program implementation.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications often lack a clear, data-driven needs assessment specific to their service area, instead making general statements about assistive technology barriers. Weak applications also fail to demonstrate genuine partnerships with financial institutions or disability organizations—letters of support must show active collaboration, not passive endorsement. Finally, applicants frequently underestimate the importance of sustainability planning and cannot convincingly explain how the program becomes self-sustaining or institutionally integrated.
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