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%.

All residents: Up to $500.
Lake residents: Up to $1,500 for projects planted in the shoreland zone.

Mini-cost share grants are awarded on a rolling basis until funding runs out.

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

Eligible Costs

  • Native plants and/or native seeds
  • Herbivore protective fencing
  • Natural 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

Before you Apply

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.

Click here if you would like to request a site visit.

Application

Mini-Cost Share Grant Application

Applications are approved on a rolling basis until funds are committed.

Building Your Project

You need to complete your project before the end date listed on your grant agreement. We understand that issues arise than can impact the installation schedule, but please reach out as soon as possible if this occurs.

A few things to keep in mind:

  1. Keep track of your expenses including all receipts related to the project. You’ll need receipts in order to get reimbursed later.
  2. Take photos before, during, and after your project. You’ll need photos to submit in with your project close-out report.
  3. You have ONE YEAR (12 months) to complete your project once the grant agreement is signed. Reach out to the grant coordinator if you think you can’t make the 12-month deadline.


Finishing your Project

Reimbursement of your mini-cost share grant award occurs after you've submitted your project report 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.

Project Reimbursement Request

Mini-Cost Share Project Report

About your Project