The Friends of NRA program achieved the significant milestone of $1 billion raised for The NRA Foundation in July 2021, highlighting just how successful this grassroots effort has been in helping the National Rifle Association fight for the Second Amendment. Started in 1992, Friends of NRA now has a nationwide support network consisting of more than 7,000 volunteers who plan and host events for donors and attendees looking to support NRA. Half of the funds generated by Friends of NRA events are used to support local initiatives, like youth education, women shooting clinics, law-enforcement training, hunter safety, scholastic shooting sports clubs and more. The other half supports The NRA Foundation achieve its national goals.
"I'd like to say a very special thank you to Larry and Brenda Potterfield who conceptualized the program and spearheaded the very first Friends of NRA event back in 1992 in Columbia, Mo," said Tyler Schropp, executive director of the NRA Office of Advancement. "Their innate generosity and commitment to protecting the Second Amendment are exemplary, and our gratitude cannot be overstated."
Schropp also highlighted the support of the NRA Foundation Board of Trustees and Officers, as well as the work of the Field Representatives and Field Operations staff of the Friends of NRA program. "Nothing about raising $1 billion is easy," Schropp said. "But the future of the Second Amendment is a worthy motivator, and the next generation of Americans deserve the same freedoms we enjoy today."
In the first Friends of NRA printed program, developed for the inaugural 1992 event, a statement of purpose read, "The 'Friend of NRA' grassroots fund-raising program is designed to affirm and introduce the rights and privileges of lawful gun ownership to hometown America. True to the tradition of the original town meetings and organized by community volunteers from every walk of life, these events will provide participants an opportunity to stand up for the Second Amendment and enjoy the camaraderie of other law-abiding gun owners. Proceeds from these fund-raising events will be used at the local, state and national level to perpetuate firearms ownership for hunting, shooting, collecting, home protection and other legal uses."
At the Friends of NRA website, Second Amendment supporters can find events in their home state by entering their zip code and obtaining information about Friends of NRA events near them. The website also gives supporters an opportunity to support donate directly to shooting sports programs, whether through corporate sponsorships, individual donations, volunteer opportunities and more. Those interested can also learn more about state fund grants and local programs supported by Friends of NRA donors. For more information, visit friendsofnra.org.
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