Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Program | HHS 2024 ACL CIP ATTF 0088

Opportunity Information: Apply for HHS 2024 ACL CIP ATTF 0088

The Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Program (AT AFP) is a discretionary grant opportunity from the Administration for Community Living (ACL) designed to expand access to assistive technology (AT) by supporting financing programs that help people with disabilities purchase AT devices and services. Instead of paying directly for equipment, the program focuses on building or strengthening financial mechanisms that make AT more affordable and attainable, such as low-interest loan funds, interest buy-down programs, revolving loan funds, loan guarantees, or insurance-style approaches. The practical goal is straightforward: increase the number of people who can actually acquire the AT they need by reducing financial barriers and offering workable, consumer-friendly financing options.

A central requirement of this opportunity is that funded programs must clearly expand and emphasize consumer choice and control. Applicants have to provide explicit assurances and describe how their program design puts consumers in the driver seat, meaning individuals can select the devices and services that best match their needs rather than being limited to narrow, pre-selected options. Successful proposals are expected to support financing for the full array of AT devices and services, not just a small subset, and to ensure equitable access across disability type or health condition, age, income level, and geographic residence. In other words, the program is meant to be broadly usable, including for people with low incomes and those living in rural or underserved communities.

Another key expectation is that applicants integrate credit-building activities into their financing programs. This includes offering financial education and sharing information about other potential funding sources, which can help participants make informed decisions and improve their long-term financial stability. The intent is not only to facilitate an immediate AT purchase, but also to strengthen consumers ability to manage financing responsibly, build credit where appropriate, and navigate additional funding or assistance options that may reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Eligibility is open to a range of U.S.-based entities, with particular emphasis on state agencies and community-based disability organizations that are directed by and operated for individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicant types include state governments; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; federally recognized tribal governments; other tribal organizations; and nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education in those nonprofit categories). Faith-based and community organizations may apply if they meet the eligibility requirements. Foreign entities are explicitly not eligible to compete for or receive awards under this announcement.

This opportunity is listed under Funding Opportunity Number HHS 2024 ACL CIP ATTF 0088 and CFDA 93.469. The application deadline was August 12, 2024. The award ceiling is $700,000, and ACL anticipated making about three awards. The funding activity category is listed as Science and Technology and other Research and Development, reflecting the program’s role in improving access to technology-based supports through sustainable financing structures rather than one-time distributions.

• The Administration for Community Living in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.469.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-06-13.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-08-12. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $700,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 3 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.

Apply for HHS 2024 ACL CIP ATTF 0088

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