The Readiness and Recreation Initiative (RARI) is a grant program by the National Park Service aimed at providing outdoor recreation opportunities and supporting land uses near military areas. The program requires projects to include land acquisition and be in specific partnership areas. It covers up to 50% of project costs, with the possibility of full funding through additional federal programs.
Who it's for: This grant is for state governments and other eligible entities that can propose projects involving land acquisition for outdoor recreation near military installations. Projects should align with national priorities and have military support.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Projects without a land acquisition component
- Projects not located in a REPI Partnership Opportunity Area or Sentinel Landscape
- Lack of a Letter of Support from a Military Installation or Range commander
- Projects not aligning with LWCF Act and Manual
- Projects not meeting a priority need or goal in the SCORP
What You May Need
- Project proposal including land acquisition details
- Letter of Support from a Military Installation or Range commander
- Documentation of project location in a REPI Partnership Opportunity Area or Sentinel Landscape
- Proof of alignment with LWCF Act and Manual
- Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) alignment documentation
- Cost-sharing plan or documentation
- Executive and National priorities alignment documentation
Cautions
- Requires dollar-for-dollar matching, though additional federal funds may cover this
- Projects must be maintained for public use forever
- Strict alignment with national and executive priorities is necessary
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
Eligible applicants include state governments and other entities without specific restrictions. Projects must involve land acquisition and be located in a Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Partnership Opportunity Area or Sentinel Landscape. A Letter of Support from a Military Installation or Range commander is required. Projects must align with the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Act and Manual, meet a priority need or goal in the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), and align with national priorities as outlined in Executive Order 14313 and Secretarial Order 3442.
Overview
This grant is for state governments and other eligible entities that can propose projects involving land acquisition for outdoor recreation near military installations. Projects should align with national priorities and have military support.
Likely Disqualifiers
- Projects without a land acquisition component
- Projects not located in a REPI Partnership Opportunity Area or Sentinel Landscape
- Lack of a Letter of Support from a Military Installation or Range commander
- Projects not aligning with LWCF Act and Manual
- Projects not meeting a priority need or goal in the SCORP
Use of Funds
Funds can be used for outdoor recreation projects that include land acquisition and support compatible land uses near military installations. Projects must maintain public access for recreation in perpetuity.
Total Program Funding
$9,000,000
Expected Awards
10
Cost Sharing
Required
Important Dates
- Posted
- Jun 8, 2026
- Deadline
- Nov 30, 2030(1631 days)
- Archive Date
- Dec 30, 2030
Application Checklist
- Ensure project includes a land acquisition component
- Secure a Letter of Support from a Military Installation or Range commander
- Verify project location in a REPI Partnership Opportunity Area or Sentinel Landscape
- Align project with LWCF Act and Manual requirements
- Demonstrate alignment with SCORP
- Prepare a cost-sharing plan
- Document alignment with Executive Order 14313 and Secretarial Order 3442