Bringing designers and nonprofits together to build a more beautiful and helpful Des Moines

24 hour event where designers pair with non-profits to redesign logos, tweak websites, and beautify branding.

Designer registrationNonprofit application

Where

Gravitate
500 Locust St
Des Moines, IA 50309

Who's invited

Designers

Graphic designers, web designers, brand strategists, and creative professionals ready to volunteer their skills for community impact.

Nonprofits

501(c)3 organizations in the Des Moines area operating for at least 3 months and in need of design services.

About dsmHack

dsmHack is a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting technology and creative professionals with local nonprofits. Since 2014, we've provided over $1.4 million in in-kind services to 78+ organizations, proving that technology and design should never be barriers to doing good.

Design Jam is a weekend-long creative marathon where talented designers collaborate directly with Des Moines nonprofits to transform their visual identity. Whether it's crafting a memorable logo, refreshing a website, or building a complete brand package, our designers donate their skills to help organizations that make our community stronger. Your work can have real world impact.

February 21-22, 2025 ยท Applications close February 15th, 2025

Design with purpose, create with heart, build community impact

Join us for a weekend of creative collaboration where your design talents directly serve nonprofits making a difference in Des Moines. All meals, snacks, and drinks provided throughout the event.

Gravitate

Prizes & Recognition

Best Brand Kit

To be announced

Best Bonus Project

To be announced

Best Overall

To be announced

Best Student Project

Internship Opportunity

Prize amounts to be announced

Deliverables

Required:

Brand Kits

Mission & valuesLogo designColor paletteBrand elementsMockups

Bonus Projects:

Website redesignCampaign rolloutPamphlet designLanding page

Judging & Evaluation

Projects will be evaluated by a panel of expert judges from the design and nonprofit communities.

Judging Criteria:

  • Quality of design execution
  • Real-world impact potential
  • Creativity and innovation
  • Brand alignment