Grants and Other Funding Options for Accessibility Modifications

Making your home, business, or community space accessible doesn’t have to break the bank.

Accessibility improvements are central to the goals of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). For people with mobility disabilities, modifications such as ramps, lifts, and widened doorways directly affect daily independence. For businesses and organizations, barrier removal and compliance with ADA design standards allow full participation for customers, clients, and community members. The difficulty often lies not in understanding what is required but in identifying how to pay for necessary changes.

Accessibility modifications can be expensive, but a wide range of programs and financial incentives can help offset the cost. Federal, state, and local agencies, along with nonprofit organizations, provide funding opportunities that support barrier removal and mobility improvements. A4EA works to increase awareness of funding opportunities so that individuals, businesses, and communities can pursue accessibility improvements with greater confidence.

Federal Grant Programs

Several federal agencies administer grant programs that can support accessibility improvements. While not all are exclusively designated for ADA compliance, many can be applied to barrier removal and mobility-related upgrades.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) operates the Community Development Block Grant program. Local governments and nonprofit organizations may apply for funds to retrofit community facilities, public spaces, or housing developments to improve accessibility. 

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) administers ADA enforcement and occasionally provides funding to encourage barrier removal in public accommodations. While direct grants are limited, its ADA Mediation Program offers resources to resolve accessibility disputes without litigation and can sometimes connect organizations to funding or technical assistance.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) manages several programs that support accessible transportation infrastructure. Section 5310 funding, for example, helps local governments and nonprofit providers expand mobility options for seniors and people with disabilities. Grants may cover both vehicles and facility modifications, including accessible bus stops and transit stations.

Tax Incentives for Businesses

Businesses that undertake accessibility projects may benefit from provisions in the Internal Revenue Code. These incentives are not competitive grants, but they offer substantial relief by reducing federal tax liability.

The Disabled Access Credit under Section 44 applies to small businesses with gross receipts of $1 million or less or with no more than thirty full-time employees. It allows a credit of up to $5,000 per year, covering half of eligible expenses that remove barriers or improve accessibility. Qualifying expenses include modifications such as installing ramps or improving restrooms but not new construction. 

The Architectural Barrier Removal Deduction under Section 190 is open to businesses of any size. It allows deductions of up to $15,000 per year for costs associated with removing barriers in buildings or vehicles. Many organizations combine this deduction with the Disabled Access Credit to maximize financial benefits. Guidance is available through the Internal Revenue Service.

Support for Home Modifications

People with mobility disabilities often require home modifications to maintain independence. Several government programs and nonprofit organizations provide direct assistance or funding for these changes.

State vocational rehabilitation agencies may provide funding for home modifications when they are necessary to achieve employment goals. Services are typically coordinated with Independent Living Centers, which may also connect people to grants or low-cost modification programs. 

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers multiple programs for veterans with disabilities. The Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant provides up to $6,800 for service-connected disabilities and up to $2,000 for non-service-connected disabilities. This benefit may be used for accessibility modifications such as roll-in showers, widened doorways, or wheelchair ramps. 

Housing programs under HUD also provide support. For example, Section 202 supportive housing funds can be used for accessibility features in housing developments for older adults. Local housing authorities and nonprofit developers often integrate these funds into community-based projects.

In addition, nonprofit organizations frequently offer grants or volunteer services for home modifications. The national nonprofit Rebuilding Together coordinates home repair and accessibility projects for low-income homeowners, including those with disabilities. Habitat for Humanity affiliates also include accessibility modifications in many of their building and renovation projects.

Funding for Nonprofit Organizations

Nonprofit organizations that operate community centers, cultural institutions, or service programs are often covered under Title III of the ADA. Funding is available to help these organizations make their facilities more accessible.

HUD’s Community Development Block Grants can be directed toward nonprofit facilities, provided the improvements benefit low- and moderate-income populations. Organizations seeking to upgrade accessibility features such as ramps, restrooms, and entrances should explore CDBG opportunities with their local government.

Private foundations also support accessibility initiatives. While opportunities vary by region and mission, many community foundations accept proposals for barrier removal or assistive technology projects. Examples include regional health foundations, aging-focused charities, and disability advocacy funders. The Foundation Directory maintained by Candid provides a searchable database of potential funders.

Some national funders prioritize accessibility in specific fields. The National Endowment for the Arts, for example, offers grants to cultural institutions, with accessibility planning and compliance included as part of the application requirements.

Municipal and Transit Funding

Local governments bear significant responsibility for ADA compliance in public spaces and transportation systems. Multiple federal and state funding streams are available for these purposes.

As noted, HUD’s Community Development Block Grants are a central source for local governments. They can fund sidewalk improvements, curb ramps, and accessible community facilities. Because allocations are made annually, municipalities should coordinate with their planning or community development departments.

Transit-specific funding opportunities include the Federal Transit Administration’s Section 5310 program and the Bus and Bus Facilities program under Section 5339. These programs assist with purchasing accessible vehicles, upgrading stations, and improving infrastructure for riders with disabilities.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) administers discretionary grant programs that support transportation infrastructure projects incorporating accessibility improvements. The BUILD program provides funding for surface transportation projects that have significant local or regional impact, including accessible pedestrian pathways, transit stations, and other ADA-compliant features. The INFRA program supports multimodal freight and highway projects of national or regional significance, which can include accessibility upgrades to ensure safe and equitable access for people with disabilities.

Technical Assistance and Support

Identifying and applying for funding can be complex, particularly for smaller organizations or people unfamiliar with federal grant processes. Technical assistance is available through several resources.

The ADA National Network provides free guidance on ADA standards and compliance strategies. Its regional centers can answer funding-related questions and connect applicants to local programs.

The U.S. Access Board publishes design standards and technical assistance materials. While it does not provide funding, it helps ensure that modifications funded through grants or tax incentives meet ADA requirements.

Organizations applying for federal grants may also benefit from professional grant writers or consultants who specialize in accessibility projects. Leveraging expertise in proposal writing can increase the likelihood of success, particularly for competitive funding programs. Reach out to A4EA for additional guidance and support in assessing funding options and accessibility improvements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of accessibility modifications can be funded?
Funding can cover a range of modifications, including ramps, lifts, widened doorways, accessible restrooms, roll-in showers, elevators, and accessible transit facilities. Some programs also support adaptive equipment and communication devices in public spaces or workplaces.

Who is eligible for funding?
Eligibility depends on the program. Individuals with mobility disabilities, veterans, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and local governments may qualify. Each grant or tax incentive has specific criteria, such as income limits, business size, or project scope.

How do I apply for federal grants?
Applications are typically submitted through the administering agency’s website. For example, HUD’s Community Development Block Grants are applied for at the local government level, while BUILD and INFRA grants are managed through the Department of Transportation. Technical assistance is often available to help with application requirements.

Can businesses combine tax incentives for accessibility improvements?
Yes. Businesses may use the Disabled Access Credit under Section 44 and the Architectural Barrier Removal Deduction under Section 190 in the same tax year, provided the same expenses are not counted twice.

Are there resources for home modifications?
Yes. State vocational rehabilitation agencies, Independent Living Centers, and nonprofit organizations such as Rebuilding Together and Habitat for Humanity provide funding or volunteer support. Veterans may access grants through the VA’s HISA program.

Where can I get help with understanding funding options?
The ADA National Network and the U.S. Access Board offer guidance on ADA standards, compliance, and technical assistance. A4EA can also provide support for assessing funding opportunities and planning accessibility improvements.

How can sharing experiences help?
Sharing your experiences with grants, tax incentives, and home or facility modifications can help others identify opportunities, avoid pitfalls, and build more inclusive communities.

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Funding accessibility modifications can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At A4EA, we want to hear from you. Share your experiences, strategies, or questions about grants, tax incentives, and other funding options. By discussing what has worked and the challenges you have faced, we can help each other make meaningful improvements that expand access and independence for everyone.