Readiness and Recreation Initiative

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Participants of a fishing tournament, hosted by Naval Support Activity (NSA) Crane

US Navy

About RARI

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.

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US Air Force

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

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Apply for RARI Grants on Grants.gov

Learn about Readiness and Recreation Initiative (RARI) application process, eligibility, timelines, and additional resources.

3 men in hard hats and military uniforms use a level and measuring tape at the foot of a playground.
REPI Program

Learn about the Department of War's and Environmental Protection Integration Program (REPI), including funding opportunities.

RARI Basic Requirements

  • 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).

Contacts

Contact the National Park Service’s RARI program via email.

Last updated: June 8, 2026

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