How to Get the Community Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP)

What you get

The statewide NC Community Conservation Assistance Program delivered through the Buncombe County SWCD, which provides local administrative and technical support. Homeowners can be reimbursed up to 75% of the cost of an approved BMP, including backyard rain gardens (sized at least 30% of the recommended design), with a 25% homeowner match. Statewide CCAP caps cost share at $35,000 per project (Buncombe County SWCD; reimbursement rate and rain-garden eligibility per the statewide NC Department of Agriculture CCAP page, ncagr.gov; last verified June 2026).

• Residential: Up to 75% cost share

Are you eligible?

• Be a Buncombe County Soil & Water Conservation District customer
• Property located in: Asheville
• Property in Buncombe County
• Site developed 3+ years
• Eligible BMP: backyard rain garden (sized at least 30% of the recommended design) or other approved practice
• Homeowner pays a 25% match

What applying usually looks like

A general guide. Always confirm the exact steps on the official program page, since each provider runs its process a little differently.

1. 1

   Apply and get written approval first

   Submit your application to Buncombe County Soil & Water Conservation District and wait for written approval before you remove any turf or start work. Starting early is the most common reason a rebate is denied.

2. 2

   Do the conversion

   Replace your lawn with the qualifying landscaping, following the eligibility requirements above.

3. 3

   Submit your claim

   After the work is done, submit your claim on the official program page. Confirm the exact forms, receipts, and any photos they require there, since those vary by program.