A lot of things have occurred over the past month or so that not all members are completely aware of. I’ll use my column this month to update you on some important issues—transparency.
Over 30 years ago, the NRA created the NRA Foundation to raise tax-deductible donations to support NRA’s public-interest programs, such as making clubs and associations; competitions, education and training; hunting and wildlife conservation; military services; disabled shooting sports; and gun collectors’ centers of excellence. Over those years, the NRA’s “Friends of NRA” fundraising program raised over $1.2 billion (gross), with half the money going to programs in your local community and half going to support national programs (see video link above). Donors like me funded permanent endowments to support specific programs, like the Disabled Shooting Sports and the American Revolution exhibit at the National Firearms Museum in Fairfax, Va.
Starting in 2024, the NRA Foundation Board of Trustees began isolating itself from the NRA’s membership. The Trustees changed the bylaws that govern the Foundation, and:
• Made themselves a self-elected, self-perpetuating Board (in other words, they cut the NRA Board members out of the process of electing the Trustees);
• Removed the NRA President as an ex officio member of the Board; and
• Increased the size of their Board and filled many of the positions with former NRA directors whose influence on the NRA board had diminished with NRA 2.0.
Since then, the Foundation has taken an increasingly aggressive posture against the NRA that it is obligated to support. For the first time, the Foundation greatly reduced funding for NRA programs by approximately 40%. The Foundation also significantly reduced funding for staff who raised the money.
Protecting our Donors, Programs and Members
During the past nine months, your NRA leadership bent over backwards to find a solution to this unwarranted takeover of the Foundation. Ultimately, we had an obligation to protect our donors, members, trademarks, intellectual property and assets. As many of you have heard, the NRA filed a lawsuit against the Foundation on Jan. 5. A copy of the lawsuit can be found on my website NRAPresident.com. In summary, the lawsuit alleges unjust enrichment, unauthorized diversion of charitable assets, unlawful alteration of its bylaws and trademark infringement.
There were also indications of a whisper campaign by some associated with the Foundation that the NRA is going bankrupt. The NRA is not going bankrupt, period. If you know of donors or others who have been subjected to this misinformation campaign, please e-mail me at [email protected] with “Foundation Misinformation” in the subject line so we can add to our list.
Rest assured, your NRA 2.0 leadership team is moving forward in the best interest of our donors and members.
Friends of NRA 2.0
As of Feb. 1, NRA has moved the “Friends of NRA” program to new 501(c)(3) non-profit entities to protect your donations that fund your local and national programs. Please visit FriendsofNRA.org/events to join a local Friends of NRA event and show your added support by buying a table with your friends. The exciting news is that after more than 30 years, we will be enhancing the Friends’ fundraising programs throughout the year.
State-of-the-Art Communications
By the time you read this column, NRA will have launched a custom NRA app for your mobile device. Phase 1 will contain the following features:
• Digital ID Card—Member access to their personalized NRA identification card for their mobile wallets.
• Find Your NRA—A map which will show you everything from instructional classes and local events to shooting ranges.
• Member Benefits—Easy access to benefits members have earned through their continued support.
• NRA Official Journal Magazines—Online member access to American Rifleman and American Hunter monthly magazines.
• NRA News—Curated news feed from NRA-ILA, American Rifleman, American Hunter, NRA Women and Shooting Sports USA.
Note that this is just the beginning. How about an interactive map that, when you’re traveling, will send you a push notification if you are within 5 miles of a state border with that state’s gun laws? There’s so much more to come!
You Can Help
My good friend John texted me the other day and asked how he could help support the new NRA 2.0. Please keep emailing me your ideas. I do personally read them; they are the lifeblood of executing your vision. Also, maintain or upgrade your membership. Encourage your friends and colleagues to join at NRA.org/join. Get involved with the Institute for Legislative Action by visiting nraila.org. Join a local NRA-affiliated club.
THANKS TO YOU
We have made tremendous progress implementing your suggestions over the past 10 months. Without your guidance and support, this progress would not have been possible … and we are just getting started.
