Commercial Grant Program (Invest DSM)

Commercial Grant Program (Invest DSM) is sponsored by Invest DSM. This program is for commercial property owners and small businesses located in Special Investment Districts in Des Moines, Iowa. It covers interior and exterior deferred maintenance, repairs, code compliance issues, and facade updates.

Invest DSM | Be Part of a Great Neighborhood Filled with Opportunity Invest DSM is a collaborative nonprofit that leverages innovative and comprehensive solutions to strengthen neighborhoods. Invest DSM programs are designed to revitalize Des Moines neighborhoods while preserving their character and supporting existing residents.

Through grants for homeowners, developers, landlords, and small businesses, we invest in exterior improvements, property rehabilitation, and new housing development in our Special Investment Districts (SIDs). Each program is tailored to meet residents’ diverse needs, from small curb appeal upgrades to major home renovations. We provide technical support and funding structures for various project costs.

Our approach is rooted in equity: we prioritize reinvestment that strengthens neighborhoods without displacing longtime residents. By aligning each program with community-driven neighborhood plans, we ensure improvements are responsive, inclusive, and sustainable. Invest DSM’s programs are catalysts — not just for physical upgrades, but for building local pride, supporting housing stability, and fostering economic resilience.

Together, we’re working to create vibrant neighborhoods where residents of all backgrounds can thrive now and into the future. Block Challenge Grant Program Provides matching funds to groups of neighbors for visible exterior improvements, fostering collaboration, enhancing curb appeal, and promoting a stronger sense of community.

Homeowner Renovation Program Offers generous grants and expert support to help residents undertake both exterior and interior home improvements that enhance comfort, improve curb appeal, increase property value, and promote long-term housing stability.

Single Family Developer Program Helps cover the gap between the cost of high-quality renovation or new construction and the home's market sale price, enabling the delivery of well-built, owner-occupied homes that support neighborhood revitalization.

Helps property owners fund essential improvements, including safety upgrades, code compliance, and modernization, to preserve quality, affordable rental housing and support stable, well-maintained neighborhoods.

Provides matching funds to help businesses and property owners make high-quality improvements — including overcoming major code-compliance and accessibility hurdles — to create vibrant, functional spaces that serve the neighborhood's needs.

Special Investment Districts (SIDs) are designated areas in Des Moines where strategic public and private investments are concentrated to strengthen middle-market neighborhoods’ health, vitality, and stability. This proven approach fosters long-term growth, ensuring these neighborhoods remain vibrant and resilient for future generations.

North of Grand / Woodland Heights Invest DSM dollars — largely distributed through grants to homeowners — serve as the catalyst for a chain reaction. The funding we provide inspires homeowners, small business owners, landlords, developers, and others to invest their own dollars to improve their properties. in total investment through Invest DSM grant programs — $21.

3M from Invest DSM and $86. 7M from private investment sources leveraged from other sources, for every dollar spent by Invest DSM of the completed projects involved existing homeowners