Status, in one line
There are two separate Arkansas programs, and only one is actually taking applications today: a federally-backed fund covering three counties directly, run through a nonprofit intake partner. The state's own insurance-department-run program has been law since 2025 but has not opened for applications.
What's live right now: the FORTIFIED Fund Grant Program
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) operates the FORTIFIED Fund Grant Program, which provides qualifying households up to $15,000 toward a roof replacement on an existing home, or up to $7,500 toward a FORTIFIED Roof on new construction. In Arkansas, applications are processed through the nonprofit Communities Unlimited, and coverage is currently limited to Jefferson, Lincoln, and Desha counties.
- Household income must be at or below 120% of the area median income for the county.
- The home must be the applicant's primary residence.
- Eligible applicants are contacted to schedule a home inspection before work begins.
Separately, FHLB Dallas has also funded storm-resistant roofs on a larger scale: in late 2025, it awarded $3.52 million to Arkansas public housing authorities specifically for roof replacements on affordable rental properties in FEMA-identified high-risk counties. That money is for housing authorities, not individual homeowners applying directly.
What's coming but not open yet: Strengthen Arkansas Homes
Arkansas Act 427 of 2025 (SB 366) established the Strengthen Arkansas Homes Program, a state-run grant program to be administered by the Arkansas Insurance Commissioner — same grant ceilings as the FHLB fund, up to $15,000 for existing homes and $7,500 for new construction, toward FORTIFIED Home standard roofing. As of the most recent published guidance, the program remains under development with applications not yet open. There is no statewide rollout date confirmed yet.
What to do right now if you're in Arkansas
- If you're in Jefferson, Lincoln, or Desha county, contact Communities Unlimited directly to check current FORTIFIED Fund Grant Program availability and application status.
- If you're elsewhere in the state, there's no direct-to-homeowner application open yet — watch the Arkansas Insurance Department for Strengthen Arkansas Homes rules before paying a contractor or evaluator based on the promise of a grant.
- Don't pay anyone claiming to process a "Strengthen Arkansas Homes" application today — the program hasn't published homeowner application instructions.
How to apply
No application exists yet for the state-run Strengthen Arkansas Homes program — watch the Arkansas Insurance Commissioner's office for the official rollout before paying anyone claiming to process an application for it.
Find your county
All three counties share the same Communities Unlimited application:
Sources
- Communities Unlimited — FORTIFIED Fund Grant Program application details, county eligibility (Jefferson, Lincoln, Desha).
- Arkansas Business — FHLB Dallas's $3.52M award to Arkansas public housing authorities for storm-resistant roofs, November 2025.
- Smart Home America — Arkansas resource page covering Act 427 (SB 366) and the Strengthen Arkansas Homes Program status.
- Triple-I (Insurance Information Institute) — context confirming Arkansas's state-run program "remains under development."
Last reviewed: August 28, 2026