How to Get the Cary GSI Grant Program

What you get

Reimbursement of up to $5,000 to property owners who install eligible Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) devices and maintain them for at least 5 years. Eligible types include rain gardens, rain barrels, vegetated bioswales, impervious surface removal, riparian buffer restoration, and disconnected downspouts (rain barrels and disconnected downspouts qualify only when combined with another measure); permeable pavers are not eligible. Properties with an existing Stormwater Control Measure (SCM), or in a subdivision with an SCM, may not be eligible (Town of Cary Stormwater, carync.gov GSI page; last verified June 2026).

• Residential: Up to $5,000

Are you eligible?

• Be a Town of Cary Stormwater customer
• Property located in: Cary
• Property within the Town of Cary
• Install an eligible GSI device (rain garden, vegetated bioswale, impervious surface removal, riparian buffer restoration, disconnected downspout, or rain barrel)
• Rain barrels and disconnected downspouts qualify only when combined with another measure; permeable pavers are not eligible
• Maintain the measure for at least 5 years
• Properties with an existing SCM, or in a subdivision with an SCM, may not be eligible
• Complete a GSI Interest Form to begin

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 Town of Cary Stormwater 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.