How to Get the Community Backyards Rebate
City of Columbus & Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District · Central Ohio, OH
What you get
Rebates for rain barrels, compost bins, native trees, shrubs, and perennials, and rain gardens. In Columbus, a rain barrel gets $75, native perennials, shrubs and trees $50, and the invasive trade-in $100; amounts differ by community. The rain garden rebate (up to $250) is closed for 2026. Full rebates in participating Franklin County communities; rain barrel and compost bin rebates available countywide.
- Residential: $75 rain barrel, $50 native plants, $100 invasive trade-in; rain garden rebate up to $250 is closed for 2026
Are you eligible?
- Be a City of Columbus & Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District customer
- Property located in: Columbus, Bexley, Dublin, Gahanna, Grandview, Grove City, Hilliard, New Albany, Upper Arlington, Westerville, Worthington
- Franklin County resident
- Complete online course/quiz or attend live workshop
- Voucher valid 45 days; one per household per year
- Program runs April 1 – October 1
Before you start
Do not remove turf or begin work before you have written approval. This program requires pre-approval. Starting early can disqualify the project even if everything else is correct.
Application window: April 1 – October 1
Vouchers are first come, first served. Redeem them through partner vendors or submit for reimbursement.
The application checklist
How to apply for the Community Backyards
These are the steps this application actually takes.
- 1
Check eligibility
Make sure you qualify with City of Columbus & Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District before you start.
- 2
Get pre-approval if required
Some programs require approval before any work begins. Check with City of Columbus & Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District and take before photos of the existing yard first.
- 3
Do the work
Complete the project, take before and after photos, and save every receipt.
- 4
Submit your application
Send City of Columbus & Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District the completed application with your photos and receipts, then watch for the confirmation.
Get help applying
Want a hand with the application?
A 30-minute call with Stephen, the founder. He reads the Community Backyards rules with you, tells you what to photograph and file first, and answers anything this page does not cover.
Confirm your project ZIP first. If this program does not serve your address, do not buy; check your city or utility on the rebates page instead.
One-time $29.99. Guidance, not filing: you submit to the program yourself. Not legal or financial advice. Rebate amounts and approval are decided by the program.
Every program listed cites its official source, and each program page shows the date we last verified it against that source. Program details change throughout the year, so always confirm requirements, amounts, and eligibility directly with the program before starting work. Pollinator Patch is not affiliated with any rebate program and does not guarantee approval.
See a problem with a program? Report it
Programs change throughout the year. If something here is out of date or wrong, tell us and we'll check it against the provider.