Readiness and Recreation Initiative
The Readiness and Recreation Initiative supports communities near military installations by funding land acquisition and outdoor recreation projects that serve the public and military families.
Funder: South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism
Due Dates: Rolling (applications reviewed as received)
Funding Amounts: Reimbursement of up to 50% of project costs
Summary: Supports land acquisition and outdoor recreation near military installations for the public and military families.
Key Information: Every project must include land acquisition and have support from a military installation or range commander.
Description
The Readiness and Recreation Initiative (RARI) is a nationally competitive program established in 2023 through a partnership between the Department of the Interior and the Department of War. South Carolina’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism (SCPRT) coordinates applications from the state, while the National Park Service (NPS) reviews projects and makes final award decisions.
Using Land and Water Conservation Fund resources, RARI supports land acquisition for public outdoor recreation, including projects that also develop sites such as sports fields, playgrounds, walking trails, and nature reserves. It aims to protect the environment, strengthen disaster resilience around military installations and nearby communities, and expand outdoor recreation for both the general public and military families.
