The Grant Process

  • Application

    • Policyholder - The policyholder will check eligibility and submit the grant application through the Strengthen Your Coastal Roof website within the application period.
      • The policyholder will be prompted to create a user log in and confirm their account.
      • Once their account is completed, the policyholder can log in to their account to fill out the application.
      • The grant application requires at least four photographs: front, back, left, and right sides of the home. During the application review process, additional photos may be needed in order to determine eligibility. The Grant Team will reach out to the policyholder if additional photos are necessary.
      • Grants are limited and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis until all available grant funds have been awarded.

  • Review

    • NCIUA Grant Team - The Grant Team at NCIUA reviews the application for pre-eligibility.
    • IBHS - IBHS reviews the application to verify that the property is eligible for an IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™.

  • Construction

    • Policyholder - After the application is approved, the policyholder requests bid(s) from contractor(s) through the Strengthen Your Coastal Roof dashboard.
      • The policyholder can decide how many bids to obtain.
      • NCIUA provides an extensive list of contractors who are experienced and knowledgeable about IBHS and the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ Program.
      • If the policyholder would like to choose a contractor not on the list, they may email NCRoofs@nciua.com or call 1-877-GRANTNC (877-472-6862) to coordinate an alternative selection.
    • Contractor - The contractor receives notification that the policyholder has requested a bid. The contractor logs in to the Strengthen Your Coastal Roof dashboard to upload a bid sheet for the policyholder. At this time, the contractor may recommend a preferred FORTIFIED Evaluator for the construction project. The Policyholder will be required to approve the use of the Contractor’s preferred FORTIFIED Evaluator.
    • Policyholder - The policyholder logs in to the Strengthen Your Coastal Roof dashboard to review the contractor(s) bid(s) and select their desired contractor. If the selected contractor has a preferred FORTIFIED Evaluator for the construction project, the policyholder is required to provide approval. If the contractor does not have a preferred FORTIFIED Evaluator, the Strengthen Your Coastal Roof Grant Team will have one assigned.
    • NCIUA Grant Team - Once the policyholder has selected their contractor and FORTIFIED Evaluator, the FORTIFIED Evaluator will be notified of the new assignment.
    • FORTIFIED Evaluator - Upon receipt of the assignment, the FORTIFIED Evaluator will be required to accept the assignment via email.
      • The FORTIFIED Evaluator will be assigned to inspect the property and collect details before, during, and after the project to verify the roof materials and construction meet FORTIFIED standards so an IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ designation can be awarded.
    • NCIUA Grant Team - Once the FORTIFIED Evaluator has acknowledged the new assignment, an email will be sent to the policyholder and contractor providing the evaluator’s contact information.
      • No work should begin until all parties have been in communication.
    • Policyholder, FORTIFIED Evaluator, & Contractor - The policyholder, evaluator, and contractor must be in communication throughout the duration of the construction.
      • After receiving NCIUA and IBHS approval, the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ must be installed before July 31, 2025.

  • Final Approval

    • FORTIFIED Evaluator - After the construction is complete, the FORTIFIED Evaluator will confirm the roof has been completed per required IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ standards and submit all required documentation to IBHS.
    • IBHS - IBHS reviews the required documentation and provides the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ designation certificate to the evaluator.
    • FORTIFIED Evaluator & NCIUA Grant Team - The evaluator works with NCIUA to have the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ designation certificate uploaded to the policyholder's dashboard.
    • Contractor - Once the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ designation certificate has been awarded, the contractor will receive notification to upload their final invoice to the Strengthen Your Coastal Roof dashboard. The Contractor Final Invoice is needed before the policyholder may be paid.
    • Policyholder - When the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ designation certificate and final invoice from the contractor have been received, the policyholder may log in to their Strengthen Your Coastal Roof dashboard to complete a W-9 to receive grant payment.

  • Payment

    • NCIUA Grant Team - NCIUA will distribute grant funds to the policyholder only after the following have been submitted to the Association: (1) the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ designation certificate, (2) a final invoice from the contractor, and (3) a completed W-9 which provides the policyholder's taxpayer identification number (or other necessary tax information).

For more information on the Grant Process, please click here.

Words from Our Past Grant Recipients

“{I} found the program very user friendly. {The Strengthen Your Coastal Roof Dashboard} kept me informed and on track with necessary documentation. Any questions I had were promptly addressed by staff. I have much greater confidence now in the quality and workmanship of my newly installed roof to withstand storm force wind damage. Thank you for the opportunity to participate.” - John N., New Bern
“This process worked very well! I especially liked the ability to request bids from multiple local roofers. The Dashboard progress tracked well all the way through the process, and the email notifications I received during the progress were helpful. Thank you for my new FORTIFIED Roof™!” - James R., Wilmington
“We are amazed at how quick and easy the Strengthen Your Coastal Roof Grant process went for us and that we could track each step on the Dashboard. The contractor we selected was knowledgeable with the grant process and completed our roof in no time and it looks great! Thank you for providing us with the information about this grant.” - Perry M., Grantsboro
“{The Grant} process was very easy and straightforward. It helped I had a roofer who was very knowledgeable in the process and knew what to do. The actual approval process once my roof was installed was very fast. I would gladly recommend this program to anyone eligible.” - Daniel K., Bolivia
Check Your Initial Eligibility »

View Frequently Asked Questions

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IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ Modifications


Nailing the Roof Deck
Tape Installation
Installing Edge Metal
Metal Roof