Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Program | HHS 2026 ACL CIP ATTF 0067

Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Program (AFP) - FAQs

What is the Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Program (AFP)?

The Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Program (AFP) is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Community Living (ACL). It is designed to expand access to assistive technology (AT) by supporting financing programs that help people with disabilities purchase AT devices and services.

What is the main goal of the AFP grant?

The main goal is to build or scale sustainable financing options that make assistive technology more affordable and reachable for individuals and families. Instead of paying for devices through a traditional subsidy model, the program funds organizations to operate or strengthen an alternative financing mechanism that directly results in people acquiring AT and related services.

What types of financing mechanisms can be supported under AFP?

The AFP can support alternative financing mechanisms such as low-interest loan funds, interest buy-down programs, revolving loan funds, loan guarantees, or insurance-based approaches, as long as the approach directly leads to the acquisition of assistive technology and related services.

Does the program pay for assistive technology devices outright?

The program is described as focusing on financing systems rather than a traditional subsidy approach that pays for devices outright. The emphasis is on sustainable mechanisms (for example, loan-related approaches) that help consumers purchase the AT they choose.

What does “consumer choice and control” mean in this grant?

A central requirement is that funded programs expand and clearly emphasize consumer choice and control. Applicants must provide assurances and a concrete explanation of how decision-making will be in the hands of the consumer, including the ability to choose the AT that fits their needs and goals across the full range of devices and services rather than being limited to a narrow set of pre-approved products.

Do applicants have to explain how their program supports consumer choice?

Yes. Applicants are required to provide assurances and a concrete explanation of how their program design will put decision-making in the hands of the consumer and support choice across the full range of assistive technology devices and services.

Who should be able to access the financing program supported by AFP?

The program stresses broad and equitable access. Successful applicants must ensure people with disabilities can access the financing program regardless of disability type or health condition, age, income level, or where they live.

Can an AFP-funded program focus only on certain disability types or diagnoses?

The opportunity emphasizes inclusive access and states the financing model should not be built in a way that only works for certain populations (for example, only specific diagnoses). Programs are expected to be broadly accessible to people with disabilities.

Can an AFP-funded program limit participation based on income level?

The opportunity states that access should be available regardless of income level. It also notes that the financing model should not be built to work only for certain populations, such as only higher-income borrowers.

Does the AFP require statewide or community-wide access?

The description emphasizes broad and equitable access, including access regardless of where a person lives. It also characterizes AFP as aimed at inclusive statewide or community-wide access, depending on the applicant and program design.

Are credit-building activities required as part of the AFP?

Yes. Another major expectation is that grantees incorporate credit-building activities as part of their AFP.

What kinds of credit-building activities are expected?

The opportunity mentions providing financial education and connecting consumers with information about other possible funding sources. The goal is to pair the financing tool with supports that help borrowers understand costs, repayment, and alternatives, and potentially strengthen long-term financial stability.

Is financial education part of the AFP model?

Yes. Financial education is specifically mentioned as part of the expected credit-building activities.

Does the AFP encourage connecting consumers to other funding sources?

Yes. The opportunity explicitly includes connecting consumers with information about other possible funding sources as part of the credit-building and support activities.

Who is eligible to apply for the AFP grant?

Eligible applicants 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, as long as they are not institutions of higher education).

Are nonprofit organizations without 501(c)(3) status eligible?

Yes. Nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status may be eligible, as long as they are not institutions of higher education.

Are institutions of higher education eligible?

Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education are listed as eligible applicants. The description also clarifies that nonprofit organizations are eligible with or without 501(c)(3) status as long as they are not institutions of higher education.

Are state agencies specifically encouraged or highlighted?

The announcement specifically highlights that state agencies are eligible and are relevant contenders for this opportunity.

Are community-based disability organizations eligible?

Yes. The announcement highlights that community-based disability organizations that are directed by and operated for individuals with disabilities are eligible and relevant contenders.

Can faith-based or community organizations apply?

Yes. Faith-based and community organizations may apply if they meet the eligibility rules stated in the opportunity.

Are foreign entities allowed to apply?

No. Foreign entities are explicitly not eligible to compete for or receive awards under this opportunity.

What is the application deadline for this funding opportunity?

The application closing date is July 22, 2026.

How much funding is available per award?

The award ceiling is $700,000.

How many awards does ACL expect to make?

ACL expects to make approximately 3 awards.

Which federal agency is sponsoring and administering this opportunity?

This opportunity is from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Community Living (ACL).

What is the opportunity identifier and CFDA number provided in the announcement?

The opportunity is listed as HHS 2026 ACL CIP ATTF 0067 under CFDA 93.469.

How is the funding activity categorized?

For funding activity purposes, it is categorized under Science and Technology and other Research and Development.

What kinds of outcomes is AFP trying to achieve for people with disabilities?

The AFP is aimed at making it easier for people with disabilities to obtain the assistive technology they need by strengthening financing systems, promoting informed consumer choice, supporting financial capability through credit-building activities, and ensuring broad, equitable access across disability types, ages, income levels, and locations.