Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Program

The Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Program is a federal grant initiative administered by the Administration for Community Living under the Department of Health and Human Services to support programs that enable individuals with disabilities and older adults with functional needs to acquire assistive technology devices and services through alternative financing mechanisms. Applicants must propose one or more models such as a low-interest loan fund, interest buy-down program, revolving loan fund, loan guarantee, or insurance program that facilitates access without imposing financial or bureaucratic barriers. The program requires a strong emphasis on consumer choice and control, ensuring that all individuals regardless of disability type, age, income level, or geographic location can participate. Recipients must integrate credit-building activities including financial education and information about alternative funding sources into their programming and establish clear procedures for timely processing of applications, with policies that guarantee non-discrimination in access. The program aligns with the ACL’s economic security strategic priority to enhance independence and community inclusion through technology access. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofits, tribal governments, and institutions of higher education, and all must maintain active registrations on SAM.gov and Grants.gov, possessing a Unique Entity Identifier, throughout the award period. Proposals are evaluated based on expertise and budget sufficiency, with an initial review and risk assessment required prior to award consideration; applications exceeding $250,000 will undergo SAM.gov responsibility and exclusions screening. The project period is anticipated to be one year, from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2027, with an expected start date of September 30, 2026. Funding beyond the first year is not guaranteed and depends on congressional appropriations, satisfactory progress, and agency discretion. All federal funds must be held in a restricted account and used exclusively for program implementation, with strict compliance required under 2 CFR 200 and 2 CFR 300, the HHS Grants Policy Statement, and federal antidiscrimination laws. Applicants must submit a 30-page project narrative and a budget narrative using SF-424A, with all documents in English, formatted in 11-point Times New Roman or Arial, double-spaced except for tables and footnotes, and submitted as PDFs via Grants.gov by the July 22, 2026 deadline. Sustainability plans detailing long-term funding strategies are mandatory, and FFATA reporting is required for all subawards over $30,000. There is no set-aside, and the agency