Mini-Cost Share Grants
This page is currently being updated for the 2026 cost-share season. Information found here may not be up to date and is subject to change prior to the program re-opening in late March. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified when the program opens for applications.
About the Program
Mini-Cost Share Grants are simple grants to help residents add native plants to their yard.
Who can apply
The RPBCWD Mini-Cost Share Program is designed for residential applicants within the Riley-Purgatory-Bluff Creek Watershed District. Check if you live in RPBCWD before you apply.
The program is open to both property owners and renters with permission from the property owner.
How much funding is available?
Mini-cost share grants cover up to 95% of your project cost - you just cover the remaining 5%. Mini-cost share grants are awarded on a rolling basis until funding runs out.
All residents: Up to $500
Lake residents: Up to $1,500 for projects planted in the shoreland zone (area 50 feet within the shoreline) of a major lake
Use of Funds
Project Requirements
- Roots-in-the-ground (no planters)
- Non-cultivated varieties of native plants
- At least 75% of cost share award must go toward purchase of native plants and or seeds
- Must submit receipts, before/after photos, and install project sign
- Project must be maintained for at least 2 years
Eligible Costs
- Native plants and/or native seeds
- Herbivore protective fencing
- Natural material mulch
- Edging
- Other items or materials essential to project success
Ineligible Costs
- Decorative elements such as stepping stones
- Irrigation supplies
- Vehicle mileage or fuel
- Landscaping fabric
- In-kind labor or materials
Optional: Request a Site Visit
While a site visit is not required prior to receiving a Mini-Cost Share Grant, you may still find it useful to help you plan your project. Site visits are scheduled Monday-Friday during regular business hours. A representative of RPBCWD will meet you at your site to discuss ideas, offer advice, and answer questions.
Building Your Project
Once you've been approved for a project, it's time to make a plan. For resources to help plan your project, as well as where to purchase native plants, visit our Native Plants webpage.
A few things to keep in mind as you go:
- Keep track of your expenses including all receipts related to the project. You’ll need receipts in order to get reimbursed later.
- Take photos before, during, and after your project. You’ll need photos to submit in with your project close-out report.
- Mini-Cost Share Projects must be installed by November 30th of the award year. Reach out to the grant coordinator if you think you can’t make this deadline.
Finishing your Project
Reimbursement of your mini-cost share grant award occurs after you've submitted your project report (found below) including all receipts. The grant coordinator will email you directly to follow up about your reimbursement status.
The timing of your reimbursement will depend upon when in the district's financial cycle you schedule the inspection and submit a close-out report. The average time to receive a reimbursement check is about a month.
