Stretch Your Invest DSM Grant: Replacement Windows That Max Out Matching Funds

If you own a home in an Invest DSM neighborhood, you have a real chance to stretch your renovation dollars while improving comfort, curb appeal, and efficiency. The Homeowner Renovation Program is a matching grant that can reduce your out-of-pocket costs for qualified projects, and energy-efficient window replacement is one of the smartest ways to use it. 

In this guide, we explain how Invest DSM grants work, why upgrading to energy-efficient windows makes sense in Des Moines, and how to build an application that meets design standards for the grant. We will also give you a simple, numbered checklist for applying, so you can move from research to results with confidence. 

How Invest DSM’s Homeowner Renovation Program Works

Grant Amounts

Invest DSM’s Homeowner Renovation Program is a matching grant for owner-occupied homes in targeted neighborhoods. The program advertises grant amounts up to $75,000, with the grant covering 20–50% of approved project costs based on your neighborhood and scope. 

Matching grants multiply your dollars. For example, if your energy-efficient window replacement project totals $20,000 and your neighborhood qualifies for a 50% match, the grant could cover $10,000. That means you complete a $20,000 project with just $10,000 of your own funds. 

Grant Eligibility

Eligibility is tied to specific Special Investment Districts. There are no income or credit requirements, and the program supports interior and exterior work, including window replacement.

Invest DSM’s Special Investment Districts include neighborhoods where focused investment can move the local market in the right direction. Window replacement fits well within this mission because it improves comfort immediately, elevates curb appeal, and supports long-term value that stays in the neighborhood. 

As of 2025, Invest DSM lists six neighborhoods as eligible: Columbus Park, Drake, Franklin Area, North of Grand / Woodland Heights, Oak Park / Highland Park, and Union Park. 

Application Process

The application process often takes 20–25 business days, depending on how quickly you gather bids and schedule the inspection. Work that is already completed before signing the grant agreement is not eligible for funding, so time your projects carefully. Sign the grant agreement first, then begin the installation to be sure that every eligible dollar is reimbursable.

Reimbursement Schedules

Smaller grants are reimbursed after completion, and larger grants are forgiven over five or seven years if you remain in the home. You can receive payment all at once, or you can request up to three separate payments if your project includes milestones. 

Why Energy-Efficient Windows Are A Smart Invest DSM Upgrade

Des Moines weather swings from humid summers to subzero winters, so inefficient windows can easily inflate utility bills and affect your indoor comfort. Savings vary by home and utility rates, but the impact of modern, energy-efficient windows can be clearly seen:

• Replacing old single-pane windows with ENERGY STAR certified models lowers household energy bills by an average of up to 13% nationwide. 
• Lower energy use reduces greenhouse gas emissions, so a quality window project supports household budgets and community goals at the same time.

Invest DSM also explicitly advocates for energy-efficient upgrades. Their Design and Construction Standards encourage energy-efficient components and state that windows should exceed code minimums for U-value and be ENERGY STAR rated for the Northern Climate Zone. 

Their standards also encourage homeowners to use MidAmerican Energy or other local rebate programs when available, which can stack with the grant and further reduce costs. Aligning your product selection with these requirements is straightforward, and our team can help translate the technical jargon into plain language so you can make easy, confident choices with your home improvement project.

Window Features That Meet Invest DSM Design Standards

Invest DSM’s standards point you toward durable, efficient, low-maintenance solutions. For windows, that means choosing certified performance, selecting the right glass package for Iowa’s climate, and installing to manufacturer specifications so warranties stay intact. 

The following product features help homeowners meet or exceed Invest DSM’s standards for window replacement:

• ENERGY STAR certification for the Northern Climate Zone, with U-values that exceed code minimums.
• Low-E glass that reflects heat in summer and reduces heat loss in winter.
• Argon gas fills that reduce conduction through the insulated glass unit.
• Warm-edge spacers that limit edge-of-glass heat transfer and condensation.
• Frames designed for thermal stability, weather sealing, and year-round performance in Iowa’s temperature swings.
• Professional installation that preserves warranties and integrates flashing, air sealing, and insulation with the wall system.

How To Apply For An Invest DSM Window Project

1. Submit the Initial Interest Form. Invest DSM verifies your service area and project fit, and you receive a link to schedule an initial call. (Est. 1 to 2 business days.)
2. Attend the initial call. A construction specialist reviews program details and answers basic questions, then you schedule the home inspection. (Est. 3 to 5 business days.)
3. Conduct the home inspection. Your specialist walks interior and exterior conditions, including the roof and mechanicals. (Est. 3 to 5 business days, based on availability.)
4. Finalize bids and create a Scope of Work. You secure detailed quotes from contractors. Invest DSM drafts a scope that lists your project items and the grant amount for each. (Est. 5 to 7 business days after all bids are received.)
5. Complete application paperwork. You sign the scope, submit the application, and provide proof of funds for your share of costs. (Timing is at your convenience.)
6. Schedule your grant signing. After document review, you get a draft agreement and set a time to sign at the Invest DSM office. (Earliest window is 3 to 5 business days.)
7. Receive the green light to start work. Do not purchase materials or start any installation before grant signing. Work that begins early is not eligible for reimbursement. (Total process time is at least 20 to 25 business days, depending on schedules.)

A few more useful details: You can break your project into milestones and request up to three draw payments, and you typically have up to ten months after signing to complete the work. If your grant is in a forgiveness tier, the amount is forgiven monthly over five or seven years. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Invest DSM Grants

Can I phase a window project or combine it with other improvements? 

Phasing is possible when it is spelled out in the scope and aligned with milestones for draw payments, and combining window replacement with other interior work can strengthen the overall application. 

How quickly can a project begin? 

It depends mostly on how fast bids come together. But once bids are submitted and approved, Invest DSM usually has a grant agreement ready within 1–2 weeks. After that, you have the official green light to start work. You typically have ten months after signing to complete your projects, and you cannot be reimbursed for work that started before the grant agreement.

Zen Windows Can Help With Your Invest DSM Window Upgrades

Zen Windows makes window installation and replacement easy. If you want us to help with your Invest DSM grant application, we start by confirming your neighborhood eligibility. Then we size, spec, and price a window package that meets ENERGY STAR Northern Climate Zone requirements and Invest DSM’s Design and Construction Standards. 

Because our team lives and works in Des Moines, we know how to balance U-factor and solar heat gain for winter heat retention and summer control. We also prepare clear documentation for the application, coordinate timelines with your specialist, and install to manufacturer specifications. 

Start by confirming your address, then request a no-pressure quote from Zen Windows. Let’s turn your grant match into a better place to live, without leaving the neighborhood you love.