Strengthen Minnesota Homes

Strengthen Minnesota Homes is sponsored by Minnesota state government. Offers grants for wind and hail mitigation projects that meet FORTIFIED standards for Minnesota homeowners.

Strengthen Minnesota Homes / Minnesota Department of Commerce - Energy Feature image for Strengthen Minnesota Homes Grant Program Strengthen Minnesota Homes Grant Program Current update (10/01/26): The Minnesota Department of Commerce has begun a limited pilot of Strengthen Minnesota Homes in collaboration with the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).

The pilot will help Commerce test program processes and gain experience implementing the FORTIFIED Roof™ standard before the program opens more broadly. Participation in the pilot is limited and participants are being identified through the pilot process. Commerce is not accepting applications from the general public at this time.

The pilot is separate from the future public application process. Homeowners who are not participating in the pilot and is seeking grant funds should not begin roofing work with the expectation of receiving a future Strengthen Minnesota Homes grant. Retroactive applications or reimbursement for work completed before receiving program approval cannot be considered.

Commerce continues to prepare for broader program implementation and build a network of FORTIFIED™ certified contractors and evaluators. Please note that applications will only be accepted once the program officially opens, and retroactive applications cannot be considered. When the Strengthen Minnesota Homes public application process opens, homeowners will be required to meet program eligibility requirements.

Additional eligibility requirements and application instructions including when and how homeowners may apply, will be posted on this website as it becomes available. Protect Your Home from Severe Weather Strengthen Minnesota Homes helps homeowners replace their roofs with materials that will protect homes against extreme weather like high winds and hail.

The program relies on a construction method called FORTIFIED™ developed by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). These standards go above the building code and are designed to enhance a home’s ability to withstand the impacts of extreme weather.

Upgrading to the FORTIFIED Roof™ standard can: Reduce wind and hail damage by up to 60% Qualify homeowners for insurance premium discounts Make homes more resilient and reduce future repair costs In the 2023 session, the Legislature established a new pre-disaster mitigation program to help Minnesotans upgrade their roofs to make them more resistant to high wind, hail and other extreme weather events.

The program aims to keep Minnesotans safer and healthier in their homes and is an action Minnesotans can take to build individual climate resiliency. Laws 2023 Chapter 60 appropriates $1 million in planning funds to the agency to work over the next two years to stand up the details of the new program.

Laws 2023 Chapter 57 creates the framework for the program and establishes criteria for contractors and other professionals to perform work on homes once the grant program becomes operational. Chapter 57 also requires insurance companies to offer a premium discount to Minnesotans who upgrade their existing roof, or builds a new roof, to the FORTIFIED™ standard.

Any Minnesotan with a FORTIFIED Roof™ on their home that meets the definition of an insurable property under Minn. Stat. §65A.

298 is eligible for a discount on their insurance premium. The projected grant amount for each qualifying home is estimated between $10,000 - $15,000. Note that this grant amount may not cover the full cost of upgrading a home up to the FORTIFIED Roof™ standard.

To be eligible for the Strengthen Minnesota Homes Program, homeowners must meet the following criteria: Be the owner of a single- or two-family home in Crow Wing County, Hennepin County, Morrison County, or Todd County Allow for the home to be inspected by a FORTIFIED™ certified evaluator to confirm eligibility Have a qualifying existing roof and structure foundation Not be in a state of structural disrepair To participate in the program as a contractor, roofers must meet all program requirements including training and certification.

The eligible contractor must: Have a valid roofing license and business registration Possess an in-force general liability policy with $1,000,000 in liability coverage Possess an in-force worker's compensation policy Possess a certificate of compliance from the commissioner of revenue Complete the FORTIFIED Roof™ for High Wind and Hail training provided by the IBHS Sucessfully pass the exam and maintain an active certification Roofing Contractors: Use this link for information on the FORTIFIED Home™ Roofing Contractor – High Wind and Hail training.

General Contractors: Use this link for information on the FORTIFIED Home™ Professional – High Wind and Hail training. Fortified Wise University Please note that non-profit contractors or contractors affiliated with a qualified non-profit organization may be eligible to have the costs of FORTIFIED Home™ trainings offered at no cost.

To be eligible to work on the program as an evaluator, the evaluator must meet all program eligibility requirements and must submit to the commissioner and maintain a copy of all current certificates and licenses.

The evaluator must: Be in good standing with IBHS and maintain an active certification as a FORTIFIED Home™ Evaluator for high wind and hail or a successor certification Possess a Minnesota business license and be registered with the Secretary of State Successfully complete the program training Prospective Evaluators: Visit the FORTIFIED Home™ Evaluator—High Wind & Hail page for information.