Nebraska Native Landscaping Rebates

This federally grant-funded cost-share program has ended. All grant funds are fully committed and the City of Lincoln is not accepting further applications. A future program would require a new grant with unknown terms (confirmed by City of Lincoln Watershed Management staff, August 2026).

The City may pursue a new grant in the future, but the terms are unknown. The separate Rainscaping Lincoln program remains ongoing, though it is seasonally closed.

Cost-share reimbursement for rain gardens, bioswales, waterwise lawns, and pavement removal. Up to 50% of eligible expenses, maximum $2,000. Applicants cover initial costs, then submit receipts after project completion for reimbursement. Native landscaping counts as a "waterwise lawn" for this program. Applications open each year in mid-March and the program typically fills by the end of April (confirmed by City of Lincoln Watershed Management staff, August 2026).

This program is full for the 2026 season as of August 2026 and reopens to new applicants in spring. The separate Waterwise Lawns and Landscapes cost-share has ended, so it isn't a current alternative.

Cost-shares up to 50 percent of out-of-pocket cost, up to $2,000, for rain gardens, bioswales, and other stormwater-quality BMPs. Covers design, materials, and construction; first-come, first-served; one year to complete after approval. Limited to landowners within the Lower Platte South NRD but outside the City of Lincoln corporate limits, so it does not overlap the two Lincoln programs already in the directory (Lower Platte South NRD; last verified June 2026).

Reimburses up to $15 per pound of approved native buffalograss seed (Bowie, Cody, or Sundancer), up to a maximum of $674 per person per year, to convert up to 15,000 square feet of established irrigated lawn to native buffalograss. Reimbursement covers seed cost only, based on the recommended seeding rate of 2 to 3 pounds per 1,000 square feet. NRD approval is required before reimbursement (North Platte Natural Resources District; last verified July 2026).