The Readiness and Recreation Initiative (RARI) is a grant program by the National Park Service aimed at creating outdoor recreation opportunities and supporting land uses near military installations. The program helps avoid incompatible development and enhances disaster resilience. It requires a 50% cost match, but can be fully funded through specific federal programs. Projects must involve land acquisition and be located in designated areas.
Who it's for: This grant is for state governments and other eligible entities that are interested in developing outdoor recreation projects near military installations. Projects must include land acquisition and have support from a military commander.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- No land acquisition component
- Not located in a REPI Partnership Opportunity Area or Sentinel Landscape
- Lack of a Letter of Support from a Military Installation or Range commander
- Non-compliance with LWCF Act and Manual
- Failure to meet a priority need in the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan
What You May Need
- Project proposal
- Land acquisition plan
- Letter of Support from a Military Installation or Range commander
- Proof of location in a REPI Partnership Opportunity Area or Sentinel Landscape
- Cost-sharing plan
- Alignment with LWCF Act and Manual
- Compliance with Executive Order 14313 and Secretarial Order 3442
Cautions
- Projects must be maintained for public outdoor recreation use in perpetuity.
- Requires alignment with several national and executive priorities.
- Strict location and support requirements must be met.
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
Eligible applicants include state governments and other entities that can demonstrate their project involves land acquisition, is located in a Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Partnership Opportunity Area or Sentinel Landscape, and has a Letter of Support from a Military Installation or Range commander. Projects must also align with the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act and meet a priority need in the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.
Overview
This grant is for state governments and other eligible entities that are interested in developing outdoor recreation projects near military installations. Projects must include land acquisition and have support from a military commander.
Likely Disqualifiers
- No land acquisition component
- Not located in a REPI Partnership Opportunity Area or Sentinel Landscape
- Lack of a Letter of Support from a Military Installation or Range commander
- Non-compliance with LWCF Act and Manual
- Failure to meet a priority need in the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan
Use of Funds
Funds can be used to cover up to 50% of project costs related to outdoor recreation development, land acquisition, and ensuring the project aligns with national priorities. With additional federal funding, 100% of costs may be covered.
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
- Last Updated
- Jun 10, 2026
Application Checklist
- Develop a detailed project proposal
- Secure a Letter of Support from a Military Installation or Range commander
- Ensure project location is in a REPI Partnership Opportunity Area or Sentinel Landscape
- Prepare a land acquisition plan
- Create a cost-sharing plan
- Align project with LWCF Act, Manual, and national priorities
- Submit application by the deadline