Description: The National Rifle Association (NRA) is a U.S.-based membership organization founded in 1871 that advocates for Second Amendment rights, provides firearms safety and marksmanship training, offers shooting-sports programs and publications, and conducts public education and political advocacy on firearms-related issues. Type: Non-profit organization with affiliated educational and political entities (includes charitable 501(c)(3) components, a 501(c)(4)-style advocacy arm, and an affiliated political action committee). Policies: Typically advances pro-Second Amendment and gun-rights policies, supports concealed-carry and state-level firearms prerogatives, promotes firearms safety, training, and hunting interests, and opposes many federal and state gun-control proposals while engaging in lobbying, candidate endorsements, and public campaigns. Funding: Primarily funded by membership dues and fees, individual donations and fundraising events, publication and merchandise sales, program service revenue, and contributions to affiliated political committees. Affiliates: Key affiliated entities include the NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA), the NRA Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF), the NRA Foundation, the organization’s publishing operations (e.g., American Rifleman), a network of state-level NRA affiliates, and a history of high-profile supporters and spokespeople.
