RARI NOFO FAQ 060826.docx

Readiness and Recreation Initiative Grant Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) National Park Service Department of Interior Last Updated: 05/22/2026 This FAQ document provides detailed information about the Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Readiness and Recreation Initiative Grant Program, administered by the National Park Service. Information provided in the document includes application procedures, eligibility requirements, and project guidelines. Please contact your State Liaison Office or email RARI_Inquiries@NPS.gov if you have any questions that are not addressed in this document.

FAQ Table of Contents

Application Process When will the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) be released?

· The Notice of Funding Opportunity was released on June 8, 2026. It is a five-year notice, which means the NOFO will be open until 2030.

When are applications due and where do I apply?

· For directly eligible applicants (State and Territorial Lead Agencies) - Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis as they are received. Applications are submitted via Grants.gov.

· For eligible sub recipients applying through a state or territorial lead agency (Federally recognized Indian tribes, local units of government, and special purpose districts) - Each lead agency has their own deadline and process for state-level competition. Be sure to check with your lead agency for full details and deadlines.

Who is my State or Territorial lead agency?

· You can find your State or Territorial Lead Agency on the NPS LWCF Contact List. Please reach out to RARI_Inquiries@NPS.gov if you have questions.

How are applications reviewed?

· National Park Service staff initially review each application to verify that it meets basic program eligibility requirements, described on page 16 of the NOFO. If the application meets these requirements, it is moved forward to merit review. During merit review, a review team evaluates and scores each application using the criteria in the Notice of Funding Opportunity. This process helps guide which applicants are selected for the RARI funding. To learn more about the merit review process, read to the “Merit Review Process” FAQ section.

When are selections announced?

· Since RARI projects are selected on a rolling basis, applicants will be notified as their projects are selected, applicants should be notified within 6 months of submitting their application.

Eligibility Requirements & Eligible Applicants What are the eligibility requirements for RARI funding?

· To qualify for funding through RARI, projects must meet three requirements:

· 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.

· Additionally, projects must align with NPS LWCF Law and Policy, as well as Executive and National priorities. This includes meeting a priority need or goal identified in the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). These requirements are described on page 3 of the NOFO.

What is a REPI Partnership Opportunity Area or Sentinel Landscape?

· RARI projects must be located in an active REPI Partnership Opportunity Area or a Sentinel Landscape.

· Sentinel landscapes are areas where conservation, working lands, and national defense interests converge. They are anchored by at least one military installation or range and contain high priority lands for USDA, DOW, and DOI.

· REPI Partnership Opportunity Areas are explicitly defined areas around DOW installations and ranges where REPI program partners with state and local governments, conservation organizations, and willing landowners to protect vital military missions from incompatible development.

· Applicants can check whether their proposed project is in a REPI Partnership Opportunity Area and/or Sentinel Landscape via the REPI Interactive Map.

· Filter the Layer list to include “Military > REPI Partnership Opportunity Area” and “Sentinel Landscapes > Sentinel Landscapes” What types of organizations can apply?

· State agencies, cities, towns, other local units of governments and special purpose districts, federally recognized Indian Tribes are eligible to apply for RARI funding.

· Special purpose districts must be an entity created by a legislative authority with a stated mission that includes acquiring, developing, owning and managing recreation areas. Special Purpose Districts must be able to demonstrate that it can meet the perpetual protection requirement of the LWCF program.

Can a local government agency apply?

· Yes, local government agencies are eligible to apply as a sub-recipient through their State or Territorial Lead Agency. Contact your Lead Agency for more details and requirements.

Can private landowners, for-profit organizations, or businesses apply?

· No, private landowners, for-profit organizations and businesses are ineligible to apply. If you fall into one of these groups and have an idea for a project, collaborate with an eligible applicant, such as a local government, to help support the development of an application. You could also support project development through monetary or in-kind donations.

Can non-profit organizations apply?

· No, non-profit organizations are ineligible to apply. Non-profit organizations are encouraged to collaborate with an eligible applicant, such as local government, to help support the development of an application.

What is a Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), and how do I know if my project aligns with my state’s SCORP?

· SCORPs are state-level documents that guide public outdoor recreation management and development. It identifies needs, sets funding priorities, and keeps states eligible for Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grants, including RARI. Every State and Territory has a SCORP, which your State or Territorial Lead Agency will be able to provide.

· To demonstrate that your project aligns with a SCORP, look at the listed priorities, determine which priorities your project helps promote, and make specific reference to these priorities in your project narrative section. For example, “This project provides recreation access to the waterfront, which meets priority 3.2 in our state’s SCORP, ‘Expanding water sports recreation amenities.’” Project Eligibility What types of projects are eligible?

· RARI funds land acquisition and projects that combine acquisition and development for outdoor recreation facilities. These projects can cater to a diverse range of public outdoor recreation activities and facilities required to enhance the use and enjoyment for the public. These include, and are not limited to:

· Community Parks

· Campgrounds

· Playgrounds

· Sport fields and Courts

· Picnic Areas and Open-air Pavilions

· Trails and Tracks for Hiking, Walking, Skating, or Biking

· Water based Recreation Facilities for Swimming or Boating

· Fishing and Hunting Facilities

· Pools and Splash Pads

· Publicly Accessible Nature Preserves or Conservation Areas

· Community Gardens

· Spectator Facilities such as Amphitheaters or Bandstands

· Renovations of Existing Parks and Recreation Facilities What types of projects and costs are ineligible?

· Projects that do not include a land acquisition component.

· Acquisition of lands, or interests in lands, that completely restrict access to specific persons (e.g., non-residents of a community).

· Acquisition support costs such as appraisals or title work.

· Funding for recreation programs, equipment, team or individual participation fees, or support of any sports leagues are ineligible.

· Indoor facilities such as recreation centers or facilities that support primarily non-outdoor purposes like dining facilities or overnight accommodation (such as a lodge or hotel), nature centers, community centers, or education centers are also ineligible.

· Facilities that support semi-professional or professional athletics such as baseball stadiums or soccer arenas are ineligible.

Are projects on school grounds eligible, e.g. schoolyards?

· Yes—sometimes. Projects on school grounds can receive LWCF funding only if the outdoor recreation area is meant for public use, not just for school programs. Here’s what that means:

· Outdoor areas on school property can be eligible as long as they are public parks or recreation spaces that the community can use.

· Projects are not eligible if the facilities are only meant to support the school’s regular physical education or athletic programs.

· Schools can reserve certain facilities (like athletic fields, tennis courts, or swimming pools) for classes or competitions at specific times, but public use must remain the main purpose, and the public must have access at least 50% of the time.

· Applications must include a plan or schedule that demonstrates when the public can use the facility.

Match and Budget How much funding is available for a project?

· RARI awards range from $250,000 to $3 million per project. This is just for the amount of federal funding able to be provided by NPS. Total project costs can exceed $3 million.

Will we receive our award funds upfront once the grant agreement is finalized?

· No, RARI is a reimbursement program. Grant recipients must initially use their own resources to pay for all project costs. The grant recipient will then receive reimbursement after they have spent their own funds.

What are the cost sharing requirements for this grant?

· RARI grants are 50% matching grants.

· Applicants can use federal Department of War Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program funds to meet LWCF’s required cost-share. Up to 100% of project costs could be federally funded if the projects are selected for both RARI and REPI funding.

· For example, if a project has a total cost of $500,000, then RARI could reimburse up to $250,000. If the applicant were to also apply and be selected for a REPI grant, they could use those funds as the 50% match.

· American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands do not need to provide 50% non-Federal cost share. These areas can receive full (100%) federal funding.

What can be used to meet the cost sharing requirements?

· Projects can combine many sources of funding to meet the 1:1 match requirement, including city, state, private, and/or philanthropic dollars.

· Non-monetary contributions can also count towards a project’s total match amount. Examples include land donation or bargain sale, cash, in-kind contributions, and volunteer services.

Can other federal funds be used as the “nonfederal” match?

· Yes, in specific instances. Communities can leverage other federal programs for matching dollars, if a program has the existing legislative authority to do so. Common options include HUD’s Community Development Block Grants and Federal Highway Administration’s Recreation Trails Program.

· Applicants can use federal Department of War Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program funds to meet LWCF’s required cost-share. Up to 100% of project costs could be federally funded if the projects are selected for both RARI and REPI.

· For example, if a project has a total cost of $500,000, then RARI could reimburse up to $250,000. If the applicant were to also apply and be selected for a REPI grant, they could use those funds as the 50% match.

Does cost share need to be secured at the time of initial application?

· No, applicants are not expected to have cost share finalized in their initial application. At a minimum, applicants must describe their plan for securing cost share, including the source(s), anticipated amount(s), and status of cost share discussions. Cost share sources must be finalized to receive a grant award.

What should I include in the budget narrative?

· Applicants are encouraged but not required to use the Budget Narrative Template that is published through this Notice of Funding Opportunity.

· Regardless of the format used, all budget narratives must include a description and justification for all costs listed in the budget. The budget narrative should only reflect the costs related to activities to be completed under a RARI grant and must include total estimated costs, non-Federal cost share, third-party contributions, indirect cost rate (if applicable), and any pre-award costs.

What are the rules around indirect costs?

· Indirect Costs - Applicants must indicate in their budget how they will charge indirect costs, including the rate to be applied. Any rates that accompany the project budget must meet the requirements of 2 CFR Part 200, Section 200.414 and 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix III through Appendix VII, as applicable.

Merit Review Process How are applications evaluated?

· The application process involves two competitive steps: 1) state-level selections, and 2) national competition.

· Applications must first be selected at the state-level to proceed for national consideration. The national competition happens in two steps, initial review and comprehensive merit review.

· The initial review will be performed by NPS staff to determine whether: (1) the applicant is eligible for an award; (2) the information required by the NOFO has been submitted; (3) all mandatory requirements of the NOFO are satisfied; (4) the proposed project is responsive to the program objectives of the NOFO (program determination); and (5) the proposed project is in compliance with all applicable executive and secretary orders

· All applications that pass the initial review will be eligible for the comprehensive merit review.

· During the comprehensive merit review, a panel of reviewers will evaluate and score each application for its alignment to the merit review criteria listed in the NOFO.

What are the merit review criteria for RARI applications?

· RARI projects are evaluated on the extent to which they:

· Expand Access to Outdoor Recreation for Military Communities and the Public

· Promote Compatible Land Use and Natural Resource Protection

· Align with Community Needs

· Leverage Resources in Support of Readiness and Recreation

· Demonstrate Feasibility

· Refer to the Notice of Funding Opportunity’s “Merit Review Criteria” section for more information.

Who reviews applications?

· RARI uses merit review panelists who have subject matter expertise in recreation, development, design, and natural resources. Panelists weigh the strengths and weaknesses of each application based on the merit review criteria outlined in the notice of funding opportunity (NOFO).

Can I receive feedback on my application if my project is unsuccessful?

· A summary of the review panel comments can be provided to applicants if requested.

Other What if I still have questions that have not been addressed?

· Reach out to your State or Territorial Lead Agency or email RARI_Inquiries@NPS.gov.

Who can I contact if I have questions about Grants.gov functionality or need assistance submitting my application (i.e., creating an account, uploading attachments, etc.)?

· Please contact the Grants.gov Help Center at support@grants.gov or 1-800-518-4726 for assistance with Grants.gov access and functionality.