FAIRFAX, VA – The NRA Foundation’s Friends of NRA program announced it has now raised $150 million since its creation in 1992. This major milestone follows up a record $18 million raised during the 2009 Friends of NRA banquet season.
“Across the Friends of NRA patriot nation our combined efforts have produced impressive results and all can proudly stand together in sharing a milestone some thought was impossible,” said John DaSilva, National Manager of Events and Marketing. “All of us believe in sharing a common purpose and preserving a core belief in future generations to enjoy the shooting heritage and tradition. These dollars raised to date do just that, supporting those worthy causes in the field, training others, the range and in competition.”
Friends of NRA is a grassroots fund-raising program that fosters community involvement, raises money, and gives 100 percent of the net proceeds to qualified local, state, and national programs. Working with the NRA’s field staff, thousands of volunteers nationwide participate in the program by organizing committees and planning events in their communities. Over the course of its history, over 12,000 events have been held which have reached over two million attendees. Monies raised at these events go to The NRA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
“An achievement of this level is a direct reflection of the people involved in Friends of NRA,” said Kyle Weaver, Managing Director of Field Operations. “Our volunteers and attendees understand the importance of our program and the importance of supporting thousands of grant recipients that benefit from these grant monies. We congratulate everyone that has supported, donated and volunteered their time toward reaching this accomplishment”
All net proceeds from Friends of NRA events 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. Local monies are distributed by State Fund Committees comprised of Friends of NRA volunteers who make recommendations on funding based on grant applications from organizations that have a focus on youth and women’s programs, law enforcement and range development among others.
Visit the Friends of NRA website at www.friendsofnra.org. For more information contact Event Services Manager Jeremy Greene at (703) 267-1354 or jgreene@nrahq.org.
