Strengthen Alabama Homes Grant Program

How it works

Strengthen Alabama Homes (SAH) is a grant program run by the Alabama Department of Insurance. It helps eligible homeowners in certain Alabama counties pay for residential wind mitigation on existing, owner-occupied, single-family homes. The mitigation standard used by the program is the IBHS FORTIFIED Home™ program, and to receive the grant the project must reach the FORTIFIED Roof level.

The program is funded by the insurance industry in Alabama, not the state’s general budget and not a federally funded program.

What the money covers

The grant is for mitigation work that strengthens the home against severe storms, high winds, and wind-driven rain. The page says the grant will pay 100% of the cost of mitigation up to $10,000, but the grant may not cover the entire cost of the work needed. Any amount above the award is the homeowner’s responsibility.

The homeowner must also pay the FORTIFIED evaluation fee separately. The evaluation fee varies by evaluator.

Amounts and payment

The headline grant amount stated on the page is $10,000. The program says the final award amount will not be visible until all three contractor bids are received. After the work is completed and the home receives its IBHS FORTIFIED designation certificate, the program pays the grant amount directly to the contractor on the homeowner’s behalf.

How to apply

Applicants must create an online profile, complete the questions, submit the application, and then upload required documents within 7 days. Required documents include income verification, insurance declaration pages, and the vendor disclosure form. After review, the homeowner is notified to choose a certified FORTIFIED Evaluator.

If the home passes evaluation, the homeowner chooses three SAH-qualified contractors to bid on the work. Once all three bids are submitted, the homeowner receives the grant award letter before mitigation begins.

Timing and deadlines

The page says uploads of required paperwork and contractor/evaluator selection steps must happen within 7 days at multiple points in the process. It also announces that grants will be offered in Jefferson, Tuscaloosa, and Escambia counties on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 9 a.m., while also noting that funds are still available on the site at the time of posting.

Benefits after completion

Homes with a FORTIFIED designation in Alabama receive discounts on the wind portion of homeowners insurance premiums, and the page says SAH will ensure the homeowner is receiving the appropriate insurance discount after the project is complete.