Mission Statement
Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc., ("NRA Foundation") is a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans. These activities are designed to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those participating in the shooting sports, and to educate the general public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context. Funds granted by The NRA Foundation benefit a variety of constituencies throughout the United States including children, youth, women, individuals with physical disabilities, gun collectors, law enforcement officers, hunters and competitive shooters.
The Friends of NRA fund-raising program was established in October 1992 to raise funds in support of this mission. True to the tradition of the original town meetings, and organized by community volunteers from every walk of life, Friends of NRA events provide participants an opportunity to support the charitable goals of The NRA Foundation and enjoy the camaraderie of other law-abiding gun owners.
Description
Friends of NRA is an exciting grassroots fund-raising program that fosters community involvement, raises money and gives 100% of the net proceeds to qualified local, state and national programs. Thanks to dedicated individuals across America, Friends of NRA is making a difference. Working with NRA's Field Staff, thousands of volunteers nationwide are participating in the program by organizing committees and planning events in their communities. Since it's inception in 1992, Friends of NRA has raised over 170 million, held over 13,500 events, and reached over two million attendees.
The format is simple-food, fun, family and fund-raising. Whether you are a hunter, competitive shooter or just a proud gun owner, Friends of NRA events have something of interest for the entire family. Events include dinner followed by exciting auctions, games, and special drawings for unique and collectible merchandise. Attendees bid on items from the standard Friends of NRA merchandise package, as well as special products and services donated to specific events by local businesses and community members. Friends of NRA merchandise includes very desirable limited edition firearms, wildlife art from popular artists, jewelry, and shooting sports, hunting and outdoor equipment.
All net proceeds benefit The NRA Foundation, with half allocated to fund projects within the state where the money was raised. The NRA Foundation uses the other half to fund similar projects with a national scope. Friends of NRA committee volunteers are appointed to a State Fund Committee and make recommendations for local grant funding. To date, The NRA Foundation has funded various shooting sports programs including youth firearms safety and education programs; hunter education; range development and improvement; support materials for training classes; women's safety classes; and wildlife conservation efforts. Recognizing that America's young people represent the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committee grants frequently target youth programs, allocating more than 50% of grant monies to this important area.
