The Block Challenge Grant definitely inspires people to get involved with the community and take pride in the neighborhood.
Donor Name: City of Des Moines
State: Iowa
City: Des Moines
Type of Grant: Grant | Matching Grants
Deadline: 09/30/2024
Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The Block Challenge Grant Program brings neighbors together to build community and neighborhood identity while improving the physical appearance of Des Moines’ neighborhoods.
Since 2021, the Block Challenge Grant Program has awarded $1.1 million in matching funds to 610 households completing exterior home improvement projects. Program participants and the City of Des Moines have made a collective $4 million impact in neighborhood improvements.
Program Goals
- Bring neighbors together to build a sense of community pride.
- Improve the exterior physical condition of the properties located within the City of Des Moines.
- Create momentum for larger and more impactful property improvements.
Funding Information
Funding is available to assist approximately 10 teams. The City of Des Moines will provide up to a 50% matching grant of up to $2,500 per household, depending on team size. Households that receive income-based assistance may be eligible for a 75% match. At least 50% of the annual funding for the Block Challenge Grant Program is reserved for low/mod areas, which are census tracts or block groups where at least 51% of residents are low and moderate-income persons.
Eligibility Requirements
At least five (5) and no more than nineteen (19) households within the City of Des Moines can participate as a team. All properties must be within the City of Des Moines limits.
- Eligible properties include:
- Owner-occupied and the primary residence of the applicant. Program reimbursement is assigned to the applicant only. Applicants may be asked to verify proof of primary residence through the following:
- Applicants must be the owner on record for the property on the Polk County Assessor’s site; and
- A government-issued ID listing the property address, the most recent utility bill, voter registration, or other formal documentation as approved by City staff.
- Owner-occupied and the primary residence of the applicant. Program reimbursement is assigned to the applicant only. Applicants may be asked to verify proof of primary residence through the following:
- Contract buyers may apply if the following criteria are met:
- The contract is recorded and shows the applicant as the contract buyer on the Polk County Assessor’s website.
- The applicant demonstrates the property is occupied and the primary residence of the applicant. Applicants may be asked to verify proof of primary residence through the following:
- A government-issued ID listing the property address, the most recent utility bill, voter registration, or other formal documentation as approved by City staff. A government-issued ID listing the property address or other formal documentation as approved by City staff.
- Renters may participate if the following criteria are met:
- The property owner on record signs a consent related to the renter’s application.
- A valid and current rental certificate is on file with the City of Des Moines.
- The applicant demonstrates the property is occupied and the primary residence of the applicant. Primary residence is verified by a government-issued ID listing the property address, the most recent utility bill, voter registration, or other formal documentation as approved by City staff.
- Program reimbursement is assigned to the applicant only.
- Multi-unit properties may participate. One application per unit is allowed. Participation is subject to approval by City staff.
- Property taxes must be current for each participating property.
- The property and applicant must be in good standing with the City of Des Moines and have no prior or current violations or litigation with the City of Des Moines.
- Properties cannot be listed as a public nuisance.
- Each participating property must be a residential property and classified as such on the Polk County Assessor’s website.
- One application per applicant. Should an applicant submit multiple applications, the “principal residence” may be indicated by the Homestead Tax Credit filed with the Polk County Treasurer and/or a government-issued ID listing the property address, the most recent utility bill, voter registration, or other formal documentation as approved by City staff.
- Each participating property must be within eyesight from the front door of at least one other participating property on the applicant’s team.
- The improvements to be made must be eligible improvements.
- A complete application must be submitted and approved by the City of Des Moines before improvements being made. Costs expended by an applicant before the application is approved by City staff are not eligible for reimbursement.
- Previous program participants are not eligible.
For more information, visit City of Des Moines.
