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Readiness and Recreation Initiative (RARI) – Recurring 5 Year Notice

National Park Service, Department of the Interior

Deadline
November 30, 2030In accordance with the LWCF Act, non-Federal cost share in the amount of 50% or 1:1 ratio is required to be eligible…
Award size
$250,000 to $3 millionAbout 10 awards
Matching funds
RequiredYou must contribute some of the cost
Fit for small groups
Better for larger organizations

In plain language

This grant helps pay for outdoor recreation projects near military areas or places prone to disasters. It is meant to help states and local governments create or protect public spaces for people to enjoy.

The money can pay for

  • Land acquisition
  • Outdoor recreation projects
  • Disaster resilience improvements
  • Projects near military areas

Who can apply

State governments and certain local governments can apply, but small community nonprofits cannot apply directly.

Is it a fit for a small group?

Better for larger organizations. This grant is only for state and local governments, not for small community nonprofits like food pantries or arts groups.

Before you apply

  • Must have a 50% non-Federal cost share
  • Must have a letter of support from a military installation
  • Must be in a REPI Partnership Opportunity Area or Sentinel Landscape
  • Federal applicants need an active registration at SAM.gov and a Grants.gov account. Registration can take several weeks, so start early.

This summary was written by GrantGather with AI, based on the official listing. It can contain mistakes. Check the official listing on Grants.gov before you apply.

From the official listing

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) invites applications for the Readiness and Recreation Initiative (RARI), administered by the National Park Service (NPS). The purpose of the program is to: 1) provide outdoor recreation opportunities, and 2) promote or support compatible land uses and avoid incompatible development in areas in the vicinity of, or ecologically related to, a military installation or military airspace, and/or to maintain or enhance disaster resilience. RARI is a program within the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). State and Local Assistance Program. RARI funding is available in addition to traditional LWCF state formula grants and does not affect state apportionments. RARI operates in partnership with the Department of War (DOW) and seeks to leverage funding across departments to benefit the general public and military communities. RARI is dollar for dollar…

Read the full description

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) invites applications for the Readiness and Recreation Initiative (RARI), administered by the National Park Service (NPS). The purpose of the program is to: 1) provide outdoor recreation opportunities, and 2) promote or support compatible land uses and avoid incompatible development in areas in the vicinity of, or ecologically related to, a military installation or military airspace, and/or to maintain or enhance disaster resilience. RARI is a program within the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). State and Local Assistance Program. RARI funding is available in addition to traditional LWCF state formula grants and does not affect state apportionments. RARI operates in partnership with the Department of War (DOW) and seeks to leverage funding across departments to benefit the general public and military communities. RARI is dollar for dollar match, meaning it covers up to 50% of all project costs and applicants are responsible for funding the remaining 50% of project costs. However, for RARI projects, DOW Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) funds are allowable to meet the LWCF Act's cost-share requirement (10 U.S.C. 2684a). Therefore, 100% of project costs could be funded through these two federal programs. To be eligible, proposed projects must: Include a land acquisition component. Be in a Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Partnership Opportunity Area or Sentinel Landscape. Have a Letter of Support from a Military Installation or Range commander.1 Additional LWCF requirements for the RARI program: Perpetuity Requirement - Projects assisted through RARI must be maintained and accessible exclusively for public outdoor recreation use in perpetuity. This applies to the assisted park or site in its entirety, not just the area assisted by the grant funds. Alignment with LWCF Law and Policy - As an LWCF program, RARI projects must align with the purposes and requirements of the LWCF Act and LWCF Manual. This includes meeting a priority need or goal identified in the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). Alignment with National Priorities – Projects must be responsive to Executive and National priorities, including those outlined in Executive Order 14313, "Establishing the President's Make America Beautiful Again Commission" and Secretarial Order 3442, "Land and Water Conservation Fund Implementation by the U.S. Department of the Interior."

Opportunity number
P26AS00146
Posted
June 8, 2026
Total funding
$9 million
Eligible applicants
Others (see eligibility details)
State governments
Eligibility details
Eligible Applicants ☒ State governments ☒ Territorial governments The following entities are eligible to apply directly for funding through RARI: State and Territorial Lead Agencies, in each of the 50 states as well as American Samoa, the District of Columbia, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands About State and Territorial Lead Agencies - In accordance with the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Act (54 U.S.C. 200305(a)), each state has a State Lead Agency designated by the state's Governor or by state legislation for the purposes of implementing LWCF. A State Lead Agency may submit applications on behalf of themselves or an eligible sub-recipient. The following entities are eligible sub-recipients and must apply through their State or Territorial Lead Agency: Other state agencies Federally recognized Indian tribes Local units of governments and special purpose districts (must be an entity created by a legislative authority vested sovereignty and with a stated mission that includes acquiring, developing, owning and managing recreation areas, and be able to demonstrate it can meet the perpetual protection requirement of the LWCF program) Additional Information on Eligibility Eligible Areas - Projects must serve an eligible area, defined as: an active REPI Partnership Opportunity Area or a Sentinel Landscape. Applicants can check whether their proposed project is in a REPI Partnership Opportunity Area and/or…
Assistance listing
15.916 Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning
Agency contact
National Park Service
RARI_Inquiries@nps.gov
202-697-2035
Open the official listing on Grants.govAgency’s full announcement

Nonprofits are eligible here through the “Others” category. Read the eligibility details carefully.