Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Program | HHS 2020 ACL CIP ATTF 0426

Opportunity Information: Apply for HHS 2020 ACL CIP ATTF 0426

The Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Program (AFP) is a discretionary federal grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), specifically the Administration for Community Living (ACL). Its core goal is to help organizations operate or expand financing programs that make assistive technology (AT) more affordable and accessible for people with disabilities. Rather than funding one-time purchases directly, the program supports structured financing mechanisms that enable individuals to obtain the AT devices and related services they need through manageable financial options.

The grant is designed to back practical financing models such as low-interest loan funds, interest buy-down programs (where the program helps reduce the effective interest rate), revolving loan funds (where repaid loans are reused to support additional borrowers), loan guarantees, and insurance-type programs. In other words, it is focused on building sustainable systems that can continuously help consumers purchase assistive technology over time. The expectation is that funded programs will be capable of supporting the full range of AT devices and services, not just a narrow category of equipment, so that people can choose solutions that genuinely fit their needs.

A major requirement tied to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 is that applicants must clearly explain how their AFP will expand and emphasize consumer choice and control. This means the financing program should be structured so that individuals with disabilities are not forced into limited vendor options or pre-selected devices. Instead, the program should be set up to support personal decision-making, giving consumers meaningful control over what they buy, how they buy it, and which devices or services best match their goals, living situations, and preferences.

Another key emphasis is on credit-building activities. Applicants are expected to incorporate supports that help consumers strengthen their financial stability while seeking assistive technology. This includes financial education and guidance, along with information about other potential funding sources that might be available (for example, public benefits, community programs, or other assistive technology funding options). The intent here is not only to facilitate a purchase, but also to help participants improve longer-term financial capability and reduce barriers to future borrowing or financial independence.

Equity and broad access are explicit priorities. Successful applicants must ensure that the program reaches all people with disabilities, regardless of disability type or health condition, age, income level, or where they live. That means the program design should not unintentionally exclude rural communities, people with very low incomes, or individuals with specific disability-related needs. The underlying expectation is an inclusive financing infrastructure that removes common barriers to obtaining AT, while maintaining the consumer-driven nature of the program.

In terms of basic grant details, the opportunity is listed as HHS 2020 ACL CIP ATTF 0426 (CFDA 93.469) and falls under the activity category of science and technology and other research and development. Eligible applicants include state governments, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, federally recognized tribal governments, other tribal organizations, and nonprofit organizations (including both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) entities, as long as they are not institutions of higher education in those nonprofit categories). The award ceiling is $700,000, and the agency anticipated making about three awards under this announcement. The opportunity was created on March 17, 2020, with an original application deadline of May 15, 2020, and applications were required to be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the due date.

• The Department of Health and Human Services, 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 Mar 17, 2020.
• Applicants must submit their applications by May 15, 2020 Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 1159 p.m., ET, on the listed application due date.. (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 2020 ACL CIP ATTF 0426

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