The NRA Foundation awarded millions in grants in 2023 to support shooting sports programs nationwide, channeling funds raised by volunteers and donors into educational, safety, and facility improvements that sustain and grow the shooting sports community.
Short answer: In 2023, the NRA Foundation supported shooting sports programs by distributing grants focused on firearms safety education, marksmanship training, hunting safety, and capital improvements to shooting ranges and facilities, leveraging funds raised by its Friends of NRA volunteer committees across the U.S.
Funding the Future of Shooting Sports Through Grants
Since its inception in 1990, the NRA Foundation has awarded over $509 million in grants to projects promoting shooting sports and firearm education. In 2023, this tradition continued with grants disbursed to eligible organizations and programs that align with the Foundation’s mission to promote firearm safety, marksmanship, and hunting education. The grants support a broad range of initiatives: from youth hunter education challenges and adaptive shooting programs to competitive shooting clubs and public safety campaigns.
The grants are made possible largely through the tireless work of volunteer Friends of NRA committees, which organize fundraising events across the country. These grassroots efforts, combined with generous donor contributions, create a vital funding stream that the Foundation then allocates to programs that advance shooting sports at the community level. The grants thus serve as a bridge connecting donor generosity with on-the-ground educational and facility needs.
Focus Areas: Education, Safety, and Facility Improvements
The NRA Foundation’s grant program emphasizes several key areas. Foremost is education—teaching individuals about firearms safety, the history of firearms, and the fundamentals of marksmanship. This includes supporting hunter education programs that stress safe hunting practices and promote responsible outdoor ethics. Another significant focus is improving facilities through capital improvement grants. These funds enable upgrades to shooting ranges, such as berm enhancements, clubhouse renovations, and access road improvements, which create safer, more effective environments for training and competition.
By investing in both people and places, the Foundation ensures that shooting sports remain accessible, safe, and well-organized. For example, a local shooting club might receive a grant to build a new classroom space for firearm safety courses or to improve range safety features, directly benefiting community members who participate in training or competitions.
Grant Application and Reporting Cycle
The NRA Foundation operates on an annual grant cycle. The 2026 State Fund Grant Application closed ahead of 2023, with the next 2027 application opening in early August, indicating a forward-looking and structured approach. Organizations receiving grants must complete a final report detailing how the funds were used and the outcomes achieved. This accountability ensures that the grants fulfill their intended purpose and helps the Foundation track the impact of its funding.
The Foundation’s website provides resources such as grant guidelines and frequently asked questions to help applicants understand eligibility requirements and the application process. This transparency facilitates broad participation by clubs, nonprofits, and educational groups involved in shooting sports.
NRA Foundation Grants in the Broader NRA Ecosystem
The NRA Foundation operates alongside other NRA entities, such as the NRA Institute for Legislative Action (ILA), which focuses on legal and legislative advocacy. While the ILA handles political efforts, the Foundation zeroes in on grassroots program support. This division of labor allows the NRA to comprehensively support shooting sports—from policy defense to education and training.
Moreover, the NRA’s extensive network—spanning competitive shooting programs, hunter education challenges, and youth camps—benefits directly from Foundation grants. These funds help sustain and expand programs like the NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program and the Youth Hunter Education Challenge, which cultivate skills and safety awareness among new generations of firearm users.
Challenges and Controversies
While the NRA Foundation’s grant program is a critical resource for the shooting sports community, it operates within a complex and sometimes contentious environment. The NRA as an organization has faced legal challenges and public scrutiny, but the Foundation remains focused on its mission to promote education and safety through grants. Its fundraising and grantmaking efforts continue to provide tangible benefits to clubs, ranges, and educational programs despite broader organizational challenges.
Looking Ahead
The NRA Foundation’s commitment to grantmaking shows no signs of slowing. With the 2027 State Fund Grant Application opening in August 2026, the Foundation continues to plan for sustained support of shooting sports programs. Its long history of distributing over half a billion dollars in grants underscores the scale and importance of its work.
For shooting sports enthusiasts, educators, and community organizers, the Foundation’s grants represent a vital lifeline—fueling programs that teach safe firearm handling, foster competitive shooting skills, and maintain the physical infrastructure needed for these activities to thrive.
Takeaway
In 2023, the NRA Foundation’s grant program was a cornerstone of support for shooting sports across the United States, channeling millions of dollars raised by volunteers and donors into education, safety, and facility improvements. This sustained investment not only preserves but actively grows shooting sports by empowering local communities with the resources they need. The Foundation’s model of grassroots fundraising and targeted grantmaking exemplifies how charitable efforts can nurture a niche yet enduring American sporting tradition.
Likely supporting sources include the following domains, which provide detailed information about NRA Foundation grants, NRA programs, and legislative context for shooting sports:
nrafoundation.org nra.org nraila.org shootingsportsusa.com friendsnra.org nrafamily.org americanhunter.org uspsa.org nationalshootingsportsfoundation.org
