Programs

How can I work with Invest DSM to strengthen the Special Investment Districts?

Residents, homeowners, potential homeowners, developers, contractors, business owners, and commercial property owners—all have a role to play in making the Special Investment Districts stronger over the coming decade. For that reason, Invest DSM is developing several programs that respond to the market’s needs and is seeking to partner with a wide variety of neighborhood stakeholders.

Due to a high volume of interest, our response time may be slower than usual. Please allow five (5) business days for responses to program applications or inquiries. If you have questions or need additional information, please don’t hesitate to email us and we’ll let you know if there is a program that can help you!

The Invest DSM Block Challenge Grant Program works to strengthen the Special Investment Districts by encouraging groups of neighbors to work together on exterior improvements to their properties. Groups of at least five neighbors within a visible distance of one another’s front doors must apply together.

Participating property owners in the BCG Program are eligible for matching funds up to $1,000 or $2,500 depending on the size of the applicant team. A dollar for dollar match, up to the Maximum Match Amount, will be provided to property owners as incentive to complete various exterior improvements to their properties. The match amount will be reimbursed to the property owner once the project is completed.

Please review the Program Guidelines to determine your eligibility, then when you are ready to form your Block Challenge Team, please contact us!

OPENS APRIL 1, 2022! 

This program is designed to encourage homeowners to invest in their homes through renovation projects that improve the curb appeal, functionality, and marketability of their homes by offering a financial partnership in the form of forgivable loans/grants. This program is offered on a rolling basis. Homeowners who are interested in making renovations to their homes should fill out an initial interest form that outlines the improvements they wish to make and Invest DSM staff will contact you to discuss your project and program eligibility.

***Due to a high volume of interest, our response time may be slower than usual. Please allow five (5) business days for responses to program applications or inquiries. ***

The Single Family Developer Program is designed to provide financial incentives that encourage investor-developers within the Special Investment Districts to make above-market investments in properties that improve the desirability of the neighborhood.

Please review our Program Overview to determine your project’s eligibility. To apply, please download the Application and Sources and Uses Forms below and submit the completed documents to Applications@InvestDSM.org.

The purpose of the Commercial Grant Program is to provide financial incentives to encourage existing or new commercial property owners within the Special Investment Districts to invest in properties in order to improve the appearance, marketability, functionality, and desirability of the commercial area. For questions, please call 515-221-8410 or email Info@InvestDSM.org.

**In order to be considered for Invest DSM’s Commercial Grant Program, applicants must first go through the City of Des Moines’ Pre-Application Conference process. All projects must meet applicable city building and zoning codes. Click here for the Pre-Application Conference Request Form.**

 

The Rental Rehab Program is designed to provide financial incentives that encourage rental property owners within our Special Investment Districts to make investments in rental properties with ten (10) or fewer units that improve the overall quality of the rental property and the desirability of the neighborhood. For questions, please call 515-221-8410 or email Info@InvestDSM.org.

***All applicants are required to meet with Invest DSM staff for a consultation prior to submitting an application. If you need to schedule a consultation, please call 515-221-8410 or email Info@InvestDSM.org. Completed applications may be submitted to Applications@InvestDSM.org.