Page 58 - Reflect DSM (City of Des Moines, IA)

Block Challenge Grant Program
Des Moines’ citywide Block Challenge
Grant Program (BCG) provides small grants
to neighborhood and community groups
to assist in making improvements to the
physical appearance of the house or
structure. In order to be awarded funding,
Figure 21. The title page of the 2022 Block Challenge Grant neighbors on a block must form a “team”
flyer header for community members to learn more about of a minimum of five neighbors and meet
requirements and the application process. (Source: Block Grant with staff to discuss their project proposal. If
Challenge Flyer)
approved, 50% matching grants, using funds
from the Local Option Sales and Service
Tax program, are provided. Amounts are
capped based on the number of neighbors
involved. Successful BCG Program
1
recipients in 2021 conducted projects
including:
– Tree Removal and Replacement;
– Exterior Facade Repairs and Paint;
– Roof Replacement;
– Exterior Paint;
– Landscaping;
– Step Removal and Replacement
– Window Re-glazing, Painting and/or
Replacement; and
– Front Door Repair.
Figure 22. Before and after images taken from the example
projects document available on the webpage. It includes Similar to the ION program, the BCG
information about projects completed during the 2021 Block Program offers homeowners financial
Challenge Grant Project Examples document. (Source: 2021 assistance to improve their property. It
Project Example, online)
fosters a sense of community as neighbors
Block Challenge Grant Program must come together and collectively
apply for the program. BCG preserves
To learn more about the Block neighborhoods and keeps residents in their
Challenge Grant Program, visit: homes.
https://www.dsm.city/departments/
neighborhood_services/block_
challenge_grant/index.php

1 Block Challenge Grant Flyer. (n.d.) https://
cms2.revize.com/revize/desmoines/BCGrant%20
Flyer.pdf?pdf=Block%20Challenge%20Grant%20
Flyer&t=1668627190574&pdf=Block%20Challenge%20
Grant%20Flyer&t=1668627190574

52 DES MOINES Citywide Historic Preservation Plan