How to Get the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP)

What you get

Cost-share program covering up to 80% of installation costs (max $7,000) for rain gardens and conservation landscaping (native plantings, meadows, mulched beds, tree plantings). Available to residential properties in Virginia's Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

• Residential: Up to $7,000 (80% of costs)

Are you eligible?

• Be a Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Districts customer
• Property located in: Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Richmond, Virginia Beach
• Property must have buildings at least 1 year old
• Must be in Virginia's Chesapeake Bay Watershed
• Do not start work before receiving approval
• Contact your local Soil and Water Conservation District to apply
• Site visit and approval required before installation

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 Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Districts 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.