At a glance
This program funds one-year grants to establish or expand Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Programs that help older adults and people with disabilities get assistive technology devices and services through financing such as low-interest loans, loan funds, loan guarantees, insurance programs, or similar approaches. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, tribal governments and organizations, public housing authorities, school districts, public and private higher education institutions, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits; foreign entities and individuals are not eligible. The program expects 3 awards, with $1,946,000 total funding and individual awards ranging from $100,000 to $700,000 per 12-month budget period. There is no cost-sharing requirement. The opportunity is open nationwide, with no geographic restriction stated, and applicants may not be from foreign entities.
What it funds
Official description from grants.gov
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
- Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
- Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized)
- Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education)
- Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education)
- Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
- State governments