The National Rifle Association of America (NRA) has reopened the NRA Public Range Fund. Established in 2009, the grant-matching program encourages city and county governments, along with state or federal agencies, to work with the NRA to build and improve public ranges across the United States.
“Public ranges allow hundreds of thousands of hunters, competitive shooters, and target shooters to work on their marksmanship under safe and responsible conditions,” said Peter Churchbourne, managing director of NRA Hunting, Conservation and Ranges. “More than 100 public ranges have been awarded funds to date, and we look forward to assisting the next 100.”
In addition to physical improvements, the NRA Public Range Fund allows qualifying agencies or local governments to improve community relations and address any range-related environmental issues. With grants awarded on a 50/50 matching basis, 50 percent of project costs are provided by the applicant, and the remaining 50 percent are provided by the fund. In-kind services such as labor, materials, and equipment may be considered to meet the applicant’s 50-percent contribution. Projects including Pittman-Robertson Funds can cover 90 percent of the applicant’s share, with the remaining 10 percent coming from the NRA Public Range Fund or other sources.
“Our grants provide financial stimulus and recreational facilities for entire communities. We are incredibly happy to offer this program to make a positive impact for America’s target shooters,” Churchbourne said.
More than $2.5 million has been awarded from the NRA Public Range Fund since the program began 16 years ago. Eligible projects include building public ranges—or improving existing ones—at the city, county, state or federal level by providing assistance for construction, labor, materials, and equipment costs. Assistance for the maintenance, security and upgrades of public ranges also qualify, as well as support of the activities and objectives set forth in the bylaws of the National Rifle Association of America.
Full details about the NRA Public Range Fund and how to apply are found online. Information on other NRA range grants is also available here.
