Friends of NRA has reached a historic milestone, welcoming more than 5 million attendees to its volunteer-led fundraising events since the program's founding in 1992. The achievement reflects more than three decades of bringing communities together to support firearm safety, education, training, youth development, and the future of the shooting sports.
What began as a single fundraising event in Columbia, Missouri, has grown into one of the nation's premier grassroots fundraising programs. Inspired by a shared desire to support NRA grant programs and give back to their communities, a small group of volunteers launched what would become Friends of NRA. As the group searched for a name, one volunteer looked around the room and remarked, "This is a room full of friends. Why not call it Friends of NRA?" The name captured the spirit of the organization and the movement has continued to grow ever since.
Today, Friends of NRA hosts volunteer-led fundraising events in all 50 states, welcoming hundreds of thousands of attendees each year. Since 1992, Friends of NRA has hosted more than 27,000 volunteer-led fundraising events, welcomed over 5 million attendees, generated more than $1.2 billion in gross revenue, and funded more than 66,000 state fund grants supporting firearm safety, education, training, youth development, and shooting sports programs across the country.
"Five million attendees represents so much more than a number," said Sarah Engeset, Director of Volunteer Fundraising. "It represents millions of conversations, friendships, volunteer hours, and memories created at Friends of NRA events across the country. This milestone is a celebration of every volunteer, attendee, sponsor, donor, and supporter who has helped make a lasting impact in their communities."
For more than 34 years, the success of Friends of NRA has been driven by its volunteers. Local committees dedicate countless hours to organizing events, building partnerships, and creating memorable experiences that strengthen communities while raising funds for programs that make a lasting difference. Through Friends of NRA grants, proceeds from these events support youth shooting teams, hunter education, firearm safety programs, marksmanship training, conservation initiatives, and other projects that preserve and promote America's shooting sports heritage.
While the milestone celebrates five million attendees, its true significance lies in the lives impacted along the way. Every dollar raised has helped to introduce new participants to the shooting sports, strengthen local communities, and create opportunities for future generations. Together, attendees, volunteers, sponsors, and donors have built a nationwide network united by a shared commitment to preserving America's traditions and investing in the future.
To learn more about Friends of NRA, support your local committee, or find an event near you, visit FriendsOfNRA.org.
About the National Rifle Association: Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America's oldest civil rights and sportsmen's organization. With millions of members nationwide, the NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and remains the leader in firearm education and training for law abiding gun owners, law enforcement, and members of the military.
Learn more at www.nra.org.
About Friends of NRA: Friends of NRA is a grassroots fundraising program that brings together dedicated volunteers and firearms enthusiasts to host community driven events, with guidance and support from NRA field staff.
All net proceeds from Friends of NRA events are reinvested through grant funding that supports equipment purchases, training materials, range improvements, and other essential needs. These grants benefit qualified local, state, and national programs that work to educate, engage, and inspire the next generation of competitive shooters.
Learn more at www.friendsofnra.org.