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Last month’s issue of The First Shot brought forth some interesting e-mails from readers, particularly on the subject of grants and seeking funds:
Our 4-H Junior Shooting Club, The 4-H Hot Shots, has received an NRA grant the last two years. Last Year we received a Grant in the amount of $5,970.00 for which we purchased Shotguns; Target Rifles; Archery Equipment and Black Powder Muzzle Loaders for our club. Out here in the country there are not a lot of hi-paying jobs with most of the shooters from small ranch families. With this grant we were able to purchase the necessary equipment to compete in tournaments in this state. The Rifles, Shotguns, Archery Equipment and Air Rifles are checked out to our club members after a background check. We install trigger locks on all the guns and they are removed only at our range. After practice or a tournament, the locks are again put back on the guns when the shooters take them home. We had a lawyer draw up a "Release, Assumption of Risk and Waiver" Form that everyone who checks out a gun must have their parents sign and have notarized. This also covers the ammo that we supply for free to our club members through the CMP ammo program. If a club does purchase this type of equipment either on its own or with an NRA Foundation grant, we suggest that some protection like this be implemented.
Sincerely,
Paul Parks
Project Leader 4-H Hot Shots;
PS -- This year we received an additional Grant of $1,500.00 for supplies such as shotgun shells and clay birds. PEP
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I live in New York City where there is a desperate need for an indoor shooting facility. I started a program 27 years ago and today, four NYC Schools offer shooting as a part of their athletics program and I could easily double that number IF I had a range. Three years ago the director of the NYS National Guard told me that they did not see any value in small arms training and closed the only indoor range within 35 miles in the Armory (where I rented range time). Since then I have been using an outdoor range, however winters in this area are not favorable for shooting sports and a large portion of the school year is lost. I fear that the program is at risk. I recognized the need to affiliate with BSA and as a result of my work, I am now National Committee Chairman for Venturing Division, BSA Shooting Sports.
It might interest you to know that I found a sportsmen’s club that will donate the property to construct an indoor range and two local banks will give $300,000 to put up a building. However, as you stated, the money must go to a 501-c-3 organization so the project is on hold until we can overcome that obstacle.
I would welcome the opportunity to talk with you and share my experiences with you regarding my efforts over the years to obtain suitable facility for my program and other youth oriented projects in the community.
Bob Soldivera
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