Readiness and Recreation Initiative (RARI) - Recurring 5 Year Notice
This grant funds land acquisition projects near military sites to expand outdoor recreation and disaster resilience, requiring a 50% cost match and perpetual public access, in alignment with national conservation priorities.
Funder: National Park Service
Due Dates: Rolling (lead agency applications) | November 30, 2030 (current closing date) | Varies by lead agency (subrecipients)
Funding Amounts: $250,000–$3 million per award; projects generally take 1–3 years after the grant agreement begins
Summary: RARI funds land acquisition for public outdoor recreation while supporting compatible land use and resilience near military installations.
Key Information: Every project must include land acquisition and have support from a military installation or range commander.
Description
The National Park Service administers the nationally competitive Readiness and Recreation Initiative (RARI) within the Land and Water Conservation Fund’s State and Local Assistance Program. Created in partnership with the Department of War, it supports outdoor recreation for the general public and military communities while preserving compatible land uses near military installations or airspace, protecting natural resources, and improving disaster resilience. RARI funding is additional to traditional LWCF state formula grants and does not affect state apportionments.
Projects may acquire land for new or expanded public outdoor recreation areas, including parks, trails, and nature preserves. Acquisition may be combined with development of outdoor recreation facilities; development without acquisition is ineligible.
