Who is the Jefferson Valley Friends of NRA?

Who are the Jefferson Valley Friends of NRA (JVFNRA), and what good do they do for our community? First, let's explain who they work for.

The JVFNRA works on a grant program when half of the money raised in Montana STAYS in Montana. The other half goes into a national pool for chapters to draw from. In both cases, it is a 501(c)3. None of the money is used politically. It is all charitable.

Each year in January, committees around the state meet in Helena to fund requested grants. This year, the JVFNRA fulfilled all requests, including two for law enforcement. Much of what the JVFNRA does goes towards the education for safe, responsible use of firearms. The youth benefit from programs such as Eddie Eagle (designed for children from pre-school through third grade), 4-H Shooting Sports, Hunter Safety, Youth Competition Shooting, and Scholastic Clay Target Program. JVFNRA also helps with Women on Target, law enforcement, and more.

TEACHING FREEDOM is our greatest privilege with your generous commitment to support

FUN! There is something for everyone at a Friends of NRA event. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere is brimming with excitement. Not to mention all the great people you'll meet in the process.

FELLOWSHIP: Nothing makes a Friends of NRA event more unique than the people who make it all happen.

Working with the NRA Field Representative, Whitehall's local committee comprises dedicated volunteers passionate and concerned about the future of shooting sports. This year's committee is led by Chairman Colton Howser (Chairman), Samantha Howser (Sec/Treas), Bill Gillespie (co-Chair), Ron Howser, Patty Howser, Easton Jones, Wendy Forman, Farley Hicks, Brad McDuff, Kelsey McDuff, and Cameron Edwards. Committee volunteers are busy securing sponsors, selling banquet tickets, and preparing for an evening of fun on Friday, April 11, at the Madison County Fairgrounds Pavilion.

FUNDRAISING: Amongst the fun and fellowship, Friends of NRA comes down to one goal---fundraising for the future of shooting sports. The NRA Foundation, a 501(c)3, is a charitable organization. Each year, the Friends of NRA Foundation allocates half of all net proceeds to fund projects in the state where the money was raised and uses the other half to fund similar projects with a national scope. Committee volunteers go to the State Fund and recommend local grant funding in areas such as youth firearm safety, archery, education programs, hunter education, range development and improvement, women's training seminars, wildlife conservation efforts, and law enforcement. Recognizing that America's young people represent the future of shooting sports, State Fund grants are frequently given to youth programs (more than 60% of grant monies). So, by sponsoring and/or attending the banquet, you can be confident that you are helping all the kids in our community who want to participate in any shooting sports.

As the JVFNRA prepares the 2025 fundraising banquet. Please consider volunteering. There are so many ways to help: in person, becoming a part of the committee, being a sponsor at any level, and or donating your time or money. If you are interested,d contact any committee member.