National Rifle Association
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| Founded | November 16, 1871 |
|---|---|
| Founder | William Conant Church, George Wood Wingate |
| Type | 501(c)(4) |
| 53-0116130 | |
| Focus | Firearm ownership rights, political advocacy, publishing |
| Location | |
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Area served
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United States of America |
| Services | Membership organization, magazine publisher, education/certification, museum curation |
| Method | Lobbying, publications, outreach programs |
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Members
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5 million (as of May 2013) |
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Key people
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President, Allan D. Cors; Executive Vice President, Wayne LaPierre |
| Subsidiaries | NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund NRA Foundation NRA Special Contribution Fund NRA Freedom Action Foundation NRA Institute for Legislative Action NRA Political Victory Fund |
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Revenue
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$348 million (2013) |
| Expenses | $291 million (2013) |
| Website | NRA |
The National Rifle Association of America (NRA) is an American nonprofit organization which advocates for gun rights. Founded in 1871, the group has informed its members about firearm-related bills since 1934, and it has directly lobbied for and against legislation since 1975. It is also the oldest continuously operating civil rights organization in the United States.
Founded to advance rifle marksmanship, the modern NRA continues to teach firearm competency and safety. It instructs civilians and law enforcement, youths and adults, in various programs. The organization also publishes several magazines and sponsors competitive marksmanship events. Membership surpassed 5 million in May 2013.
Observers and lawmakers see the NRA as one of the top three most influential lobbying groups in Washington. Over its history the organization has influenced legislation, participated in or initiated lawsuits, and endorsed or opposed various candidates.
The NRA has several charitable subsidiaries: the NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund, the NRA Foundation Inc., the NRA Special Contribution Fund, and the NRA Freedom Action Foundation. The NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) is its lobbying arm, which manages its political action committee, the Political Victory Fund (PVF).
The National Rifle Association was first chartered in the state of New York on November 16, 1871 by Army and Navy Journal editor William Conant Church and Captain George Wood Wingate. On November 25, 1871, the group voted to elect its first corporate officers. Union Army Civil War General Ambrose Burnside, who had worked as a Rhode Island gunsmith, was elected president. Colonel W.C. Church was elected vice president; Captain Wingate was elected secretary; Fred M. Peck was elected recording secretary; and Major-General John B. Woodward was elected treasurer. When Burnside resigned on August 1, 1872, Church succeeded him as president.
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Wikipedia