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Readiness and Recreation Initiative (RARI) is sponsored by Department of the Interior (DOI) National Park Service (NPS) and Department of Defense (DOD) Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program. This initiative preserves land around military installations and improves access to outdoor recreation opportunities.
It supports projects that strengthen military readiness and protect mission-critical landscapes near eligible military installations and Sentinel Landscapes.
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Readiness and Recreation Initiative - Land and Water Conservation Fund (U.S. National Park Service) Skip to global NPS navigation Skip to the footer section Readiness and Recreation Initiative Participants of a fishing tournament, hosted by Naval Support Activity (NSA) Crane US Navy The Readiness and Recreation Initiative (RARI) is a nationally competitive grant program that provides funding to enhance recreational opportunities near military installations .
It was established in 2023 through a partnership between the Department of the Interior and the Department of War. RARI ‘s goals are to preserve the environment, boost disaster resilience for military installations and communities, and provide public outdoor recreation opportunities. Since its creation, RARI has committed $9.
4 million from the Land and Water Conservation Fund to projects nationwide. RARI funds an array of projects and facilities, like sports fields, playgrounds, walking trails, and nature reserves. RARI projects must benefit the general public and military families alike.
The Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program (REPI) To further support RARI, the Department of War offers Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program funds, which can serve as a matching source for RARI’s cost-sharing requirement.
This collaboration between the Department of War and the National Park Service is protecting land surrounding military installations while improving access to outdoor recreation for millions of Americans and military communities. Apply for RARI Grants on Grants. gov Learn about Readiness and Recreation Initiative (RARI) application process, eligibility, timelines, and additional resources.
Eligibility – Projects must be located within an active REPI Partnership Opportunity Area or within a sentinel landscape . Applicants can check whether their proposed project is in a REPI Partnership Opportunity Area and/or Sentinel Landscape via the REPI Interactive Map . Applicants must have a Letter of Support from a Military Installation or Range commander.
Land Acquisition - All RARI projects must include a land acquisition component. Projects that combine land acquisition and site development are also eligible. Matching Requirement - RARI funds and reimburses up to 50% of all project costs.
Applicants are responsible for finding other non-federal funds for at least 50% of project costs or pursuing Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) funds to meet the cost sharing requirement. Perpetuity Requirement - Projects assisted through RARI must be maintained and accessible exclusively for public outdoor recreation use in perpetuity.
Other Land & Water Conservation Fund Requirements – As an Land and Waterr Conservation Fund (LWCF) program, RARI projects must align with the purposes and requirements of the LWCF Act, LWCF Manual , and your relevant state’s State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). RARI Info Session: Thursday July 9, 2026, 3:00-4:00pm ET Join us for an information session on the Readiness and Recreation Initiative (RARI).
We’ll cover program basics like eligibility criteria, application requirements, and program updates for 2026. There will also be a short Q&A. Feel free to send questions ahead of time to RARI_Inquiries@nps.
gov with the subject line “RARI Webinar Question”. Learn more and register. Join upcoming office hour events for technical assistance on RARI or ORLP grants.
Contact the National Park Service’s RARI program via email . Last updated: July 15, 2026
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: DOI and DOD will work with states to identify and support eligible projects. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The current listing shows up to $9,000,000 nationwide (for 2026-2030). Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.
Readiness and Recreation Initiative (RARI) is funded by Department of the Interior (DOI) National Park Service (NPS) and Department of Defense (DOD) Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program. Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
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