About Washington Access Fund

What is the Washington Access Fund?
The Washington Washington Access Fund is a 501(c)(3)nonprofit, Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) established by and for people with disabilities in Washington state.  Washington Access Fund provides low-interest loans and other financing services to help individuals with disabilities obtain the technologies and business equipment needed to live independently and to succeed at school, at work, at play and in the community.  Click here to learn about Borrower Survey results and CCTV Renter Survey results.

Our Mission
Washington Access Fund's mission is to promote access to technology and economic opportunity for individuals with disabilities in Washington state.  

What does Washington Access Fund do?
Washington Access Fund provides:

• Low interest loans for assistive technology and home and vehicle access modifications ("Assistive Technology Loans")
• Low interest loans for business equipment needed by employees and entrepreneurs with disabilities who choose to work from home or start/expand their own business locations on a full or part-time basis ("Business Equipment Loans").
• Long term, low cost rentals of Closed Circuit TV Magnifiers to individuals with significant vision loss to support independent living, education and employment and
• Individual Development or Matched Savings Accounts to help Washington residents with disabilities purchase assistive technologies needed for employment or education and training intended to lead to employment ("Assistive Technology IDAs").

History
Washington Access Fund is a non-profit organized under the laws of the state of Washington and section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code meaning that donations to it are tax deductible. Our tax ID Number is: 91-2094889.  Washington Access Fund is also a recognized by the U.S. Department of Treasury as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). CDFI's focus on providing access to capital (loans and other financing services) to low income individuals and communities.  Since inception, Washington Access Fund has made over 270 loans -- lending out approximately $975,000.  Most of its clients are low income with nearly 70% falling below 80% of the statewide median and about 51% below 50% of the statewide median.  Washington Access Fund nevertheless boasts a 98% repayment rate (based on loans repaid as a percentage of all loans disbursed) - testimony to the importance of these technologies in the lives of our borrowers.