A potential source of funding for clubs is The NRA Foundation, Inc.. Established in 1990, the Foundation supports a variety of projects relating to firearms educational and activities. In 2001, NRA Foundation State Fund Committees funded 1,354 proposals and provided over $4,000,000 in assistance.
The First Shot spoke to Sandra Elkin, Grant Manager for The NRA Foundation, Inc. and outlined some important facts when applying for foundation funds:
1. Read and follow the instructions
One of the first things an applicant should do is read the Foundation’s mission statement. According to Elkin, “There are many eligible projects that the foundation can help with. There are also projects which are not eligible for funding.” These are clearly defined in the grant guidelines, available on-line at
www.nrafoundation.org . The Foundation has six funding categories as defined under IRS regulations:
(1)charitable, (2)scientific, (3)testing for public safety, (4)literary, (5)educational, and (6)fostering national or international amateur sports
competition (cannot include the provision of facilities or equipment).
It also pays to read and follow the instructions. For example, requesting funds for project not allowed by the Foundation will result in immediate rejection of your proposal. By definition, Foundation funds cannot be used for commercial ventures, projects that confer a private benefit to an applicant. Funding may not be requested for operating expenses.
Each state or region has a State Fund Committee that reviews and makes funding recommendations. It is a good idea to contact your the field representatives for submission deadlines and additional requirements.
2. Develop a program or activity that has a public value
Elkin emphasized that a proposed project or activity must demonstrate educational or public value. In our interview, she pointed to a number of places in the application package that this is explained. For example, as noted on page 2, Section VI of the grant
guidelines:
“Applications from sportsman’s clubs or ranges that describe how the project will benefit club members or NRA members or potential members will be categorically rejected. A statement on an application such as “this project will improve the reputation of the club thereby helping to recruit new members” is the very essence of conferring a private benefit and, consequently, is strictly prohibited by the Internal Revenue Service.”
In writing a grant proposal, the primary purpose should focus on how the proposed project or activity benefits the
community.
Documentation is important, in particular letters of support from other groups who may benefit from the project as well. Documentation in proof of service to the public is vital. If applying for funding to make improvements to a shooting range, for example, the Foundation requires a minimum of three letters, from other agencies and groups, that specifically state that these groups regularly use the facility for training or educational purposes and will also benefit from the proposed improvement.
3. Develop a feasible budget
One of the biggest potential stumbling blocks in grant writing is the budget—you could propose a project that will make a real difference in your community, but if the budget doesn’t match up directly with the proposed project, your chances of receiving funds are slim.
Foundation grant applications go through two levels of review, first through a State Fund Committee and then Foundation Board of Trustees. The people who serve on these review committees place considerable emphasis on effective use of Foundation funds. When necessary, field experts are consulted.
4. Do the required follow-up
If the State Fund Committee recommends approval of your club’s project and the Foundation Board of Trustees also votes to approve the project, your will be notified that the grant has been approved, and you will receive a check.
The work, however, does not end here. The Foundation requires after action reporting. This means, documentation of how funds were spent. Final reports are required in order for an organization to be considered for additional funding.
In fulfilling the final reporting requirements of the grant, the club should:
> Keep receipts for all purchases made.
> Document the use of the funds for the project. This can include photographs, video, and even news articles from the local newspaper, numbers of participants, etc.
> Furnish written reports relative to the project’s progress as required by the Foundation, including a final report at the conclusion of project activities.
> Return all unused funds to the Foundation at the conclusion of the project.
These items are some of the conditions included in the consideration agreement signed at the time of application by a representative of the club or organization when requesting consideration for funds.
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