by With the lawsuit filed by the NRA against the NRA Foundation, there have been many questions regarding the Friends of NRA dinners. As most know, traditionally 50% of the monies raised stay within the state for state projects such as youth shooting, training and education, and other charitable projects. The other 50% would be sent to the NRA Foundation to support the NRA’s non-political activities such as youth programs, women’s programs, education, training, and competition. As of the February 1st, where that latter 50% goes will be changed. Instead of going to the NRA Foundation which has been slow walking grant requests among other things, it will go to new and existing NRA 501(c)3 affiliates. This includes the new NRA Patriots Fund that is being incorporated in West Virginia.
NRA EVP Doug Hamlin released a long statement on Wednesday regarding the details of this. The bottom line is that Friends dinners will continue as they should but the money will no longer be sent to the NRA Foundation which has been captured by the Old Guard aka Friends of Wayne.
The statement is below:
Dear All,
I write today to explain some changes that are being made to the Friends of NRA program. As you may know, the NRA Foundation has recently attempted to separate itself from the NRA and has slashed its support for NRA programs, including the NRA’s competitive shooting programs, educational programs, and law- enforcement programs. The NRA has filed a lawsuit to stop the Foundation from dishonoring the intent of the millions of Americans who contributed to the Foundation to support these and other NRA programs and to return the Foundation to its historical role. As a result of the Foundation’s actions, some details of the Friends of NRA program will be changing, but I want to assure you that the fundamental structure of the program will remain the same.
On December 30, the Foundation informed the NRA of its decision to end direct Foundation funding for the Friends of NRA program. As a result of that decision, the NRA was forced to lay off a number of valued and capable field representatives and staff. That was gut-wrenching. But make no mistake: the Friends of NRA program will continue stronger than ever, with some necessary changes.
One thing that will not change is the NRA’s commitment to donor intent. Supporters of Friends of NRA as well as all those who donate their hard-earned money to this association intend their contributions to be used to continue to preserve and promote the shooting sports and provide the highest-quality education and training programs. The NRA will never waver in honoring our donors’ intent to use their contributions as efficiently and effectively as we can.
What will change are some of the financial details. By law, all deductible contributions to 501(c)(3) organizations are within the discretion and control of the 501(c)(3), which is why it is so important for the 501(c)(3) to be a trustworthy and good-faith partner of the NRA. Beginning February 1, 2026, funds raised through the Friends of NRA program will be directed to the NRA’s other 501(c)(3) affiliates like the new NRA Patriot Fund or NRA Freedom Action Foundation. As before, these 501(c)(3) affiliates will reserve half of all net proceeds for grant distribution to qualified programs at the local level. They will use the remaining fifty percent to fund national NRA programs and operations. Your field representative will be in touch with you with more details soon.
We will be working together diligently to make this transition as straightforward as possible. Our priorities in this process are:
- Provide information about the NRA organizations and bank accounts
- Activate online sales portals
- Apply for gaming permits where necessary
- Acquire merchandise and develop fulfillment processes for events
This transition reflects our unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and the responsible stewardship of donor contributions. By strengthening the structure through which Friends of NRA funds are managed and distributed, we will ensure continued support for vital programs at both the state and national levels. We appreciate the continued trust and dedication of our volunteers and supporters as we work together to preserve freedom and the shooting sports for generations to come.
Please contact friends@nrahq.org with any questions. Thank you for your commitment to the NRA and in preserving freedom for future generations.
Doug Hamlin
EVP/CEO
National Rifle Association
