Understanding MWR Funding Categories

Funding for MWR programs and services is based on three categories: A-mission sustaining, B-community support and C-revenue generating.

Each category supports military readiness by providing community, service member and family support services. Programs in these categories are funded by Congress through appropriated funds, self-generated nonappropriated funds or a combination of the two.

Category A: Mission-sustaining programs

Category A programs and services are considered the most essential in meeting the organizational objectives of the services. These programs should be supported almost entirely with appropriated funds. Programs within this category promote the physical and mental well-being of the military member, thereby supporting the basic military mission.

Mission-sustaining programs include those related to:

• Physical fitness and aquatics
• Libraries and reading
• On-installation parks and picnic areas
• Basic social recreation
• Shipboard, company and/or unit level
• Sports and athletics (self-directed, unit level, intramural)

Category B: Community support programs

Category B programs and services are designed to provide service members and families with community support systems. These programs are funded through a mix of appropriated and nonappropriated funds, but should primarily be funded through APFs.

Category B includes programs and services related to:

• Child development
• Youth activities
• Outdoor recreation
• Arts and crafts skill development
• Automotive and crafts skills development
• Sports programs above the intramural level

Category C: Revenue-generating programs

Category C programs and services generate sufficient income to provide for a majority of their operating expenses, though they are authorized limited support from APFs.

Revenue-generating programs and services include those held at and related to:

• Golf courses
• Clubs
• Bowling centers
• Recreational lodging
• Boating activities

Revenue-generating programs at designated MWR remote and isolated locations may receive the same type of APF support as those in Category B.