How to Get the Community Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP)
New Hanover County Soil & Water Conservation District · Cape Fear / New Hanover County, NC
What you get
The statewide NC Community Conservation Assistance Program delivered through the New Hanover County SWCD. Reimburses up to 75% of the cost of an approved best-management practice during application; at contract award, reimbursement is based on up to 50% of the pre-established average cost of the BMP. Eligible practices include backyard rain gardens and bioretention. Each practice carries its own cost cap set by the statewide program (New Hanover County SWCD; statewide terms per ncagr.gov; last verified June 2026).
- Residential: Up to 75% of approved BMP cost (reimbursed against pre-established average costs)
Are you eligible?
- Be a New Hanover County Soil & Water Conservation District customer
- Property located in: Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach
- Own property in New Hanover County
- Site developed 3+ years and non-agricultural
- Eligible BMP: backyard rain garden or bioretention
- Homeowner pays a 25% match; application and contract award before installation
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.
The application checklist
How to apply for the Community Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP)
These are the steps this application actually takes.
- 1
Check eligibility
Make sure you qualify with New Hanover County Soil & Water Conservation District before you start.
- 2
Get pre-approval if required
Some programs require approval before any work begins. Check with New Hanover County Soil & 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 New Hanover County Soil & 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 Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP) 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.