For more than three decades, Friends of NRA has brought together volunteers, donors, and communities with a shared purpose: investing in the future of the shooting sports and preserving our nation's proud traditions of safe, responsible firearms ownership.
If you've attended a Friends of NRA dinner, volunteered on a committee, purchased an auction item, or made a contribution, you've helped make that mission possible.
Recently, we've heard questions from volunteers and supporters about how Friends of NRA grant funding works today. We want to reassure everyone that the mission has not changed.
The dollars raised through Friends of NRA events continue to be dedicated to advancing the future of the shooting sports. Today, those funds are raised under the NRA Freedom Action Foundation, and grants will continue to be awarded through the same trusted process that Friends of NRA supporters have relied on for years.
Beginning in 2027, many Friends of NRA fundraising events will begin utilizing the new NRA Patriot Fund, which was established as the new home for future Friends of NRA fundraising efforts. Other Friends of NRA events will continue raising funds through the NRA Freedom Action Foundation. Both charitable entities are dedicated to advancing the Second Amendment through support for organizations that promote firearms safety, education, marksmanship training, and the preservation of the constitutional right to keep and bear arms for law-abiding citizens. Regardless of which charitable entity receives the funds, the Friends of NRA mission, including our commitment to funding impactful grant programs, remains exactly the same.
Every Friends of NRA dinner still has the same purpose it always has: bringing communities together to raise funds that strengthen the next generation of hunters, competitive shooters, recreational marksmen, and responsible firearm owners.
These grants help fund projects such as:
- Youth shooting sports programs that introduce young people to safe and responsible firearms handling.
- Scholastic clay target, rifle, pistol, and archery teams that help students build confidence, discipline, and leadership.
- 4-H Shooting Sports, scouting organizations, and other youth development programs.
- Law enforcement training initiatives and qualifying equipment that enhance firearms proficiency, promote officer safety, and strengthen training capabilities within local agencies.
- Hunter education initiatives that teach safe, ethical, and responsible hunting practices.
- Local shooting ranges that improve safety infrastructure, expand accessibility, and provide opportunities for training and competition.
- Conservation and wildlife education projects that promote responsible stewardship of our natural resources.
- Adaptive shooting programs that provide opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities to participate in the shooting sports.
- Firearms safety education, instructor development, and training resources for communities across the country.
One of the defining characteristics of the Friends of NRA grant program has always been its local impact. 50% of the net proceeds raised through Friends of NRA events remain in the state where it was generated, helping support organizations and programs that directly benefit local communities. The remaining 50% of funds allow us to make investments that strengthen shooting sports programs and educational initiatives nationwide.
That model remains in place today.
When you attend a Friends of NRA event, purchase a raffle ticket, bid in a live auction, or become a sponsor, you can do so knowing your support is still making a tangible difference for programs that introduce new participants to the shooting sports, improve safety, preserve our traditions, and expand opportunities for future generations.
The faces may change. The paperwork may evolve. But the mission remains steadfast.
Friends of NRA volunteers continue to dedicate countless hours to organizing successful events because they believe in something larger than themselves. Donors continue to give because they know these investments have a lasting impact. And together, that support continues to create opportunities for millions of Americans to safely experience the shooting sports.
Looking ahead, organizations interested in applying for funding should mark their calendars. The 2027 Friends of NRA grant application period will open August 3rd and will be available at https://www.friendsofnra.org/news/grants/. Eligible organizations are encouraged to watch for additional announcements and application details in the coming weeks. If your program supports youth education, firearms safety, shooting sports, hunter education, range development, conservation, or other qualifying initiatives, we encourage you to explore the opportunities available through the Friends of NRA grant program.
Thank you to every volunteer, donor, sponsor, and attendee who continues to stand behind Friends of NRA. Because of your generosity, the future of the shooting sports remains strong, and the next generation will continue to have opportunities to learn, compete, and enjoy America's rich outdoor heritage for years to come.
