FAQs
Q: What is NRA Firearms For Freedom?
NRA Firearms For Freedom is a unique opportunity for members to
use their firearms to further support the NRA and the freedoms for
which it stands. Many NRA members say they would like to do more to
financially strengthen their NRA, but often don't know how to go
about it. This member service program is designed to answer the
question, "Is there a way I can contribute my firearms to
further support the NRA's defense of our Second Amendment
freedoms?" The answer to that question is YES.
Q: Do I need to be an NRA Member to donate?
No, gifts of firearms are welcome from members and non-members
alike.
Q: How will my firearms be handled?
If you decide that giving firearms to the NRA is part of your
plan, rest assured that whether they are selected for the National
Firearms Museum or bound for auction, all firearms will be handled
with the utmost of care and following the strictest procedures.
Once your gift is committed to the NRA or one of its charitable
affiliates, the management and disposition become the fiduciary
responsibility of the NRA Treasurer's Office, led by Treasurer and
Chief Financial Officer Sonya Rowling. From there, NRA staff or
their designated representatives handle each step of the
process.
Firearms selected for the National Firearms Museum come under the
best curatorial care. Those bound for auction are handled equally
meticulously.
NRA's stewardship includes professional pick-up, packing, handling
and transport - all at no cost to the donor of course. Climate
control for temperature and humidity, as well as insurance and
security, are provided through all steps. Professional inventory
management, storage and maintenance are standard. After auction,
the treasurer's fiduciary obligation also includes investment
management and oversight of assets.
Q. Can I donate other items?
Members often ask whether we would be interested in non-firearms
related collectibles - the answer is yes!
We were once asked if we would be interested in a collection of
antique airplane banks. The donor decided to contribute all of his
airplane banks, along with his firearms. This is but one example of
the endless types of collectibles that can be donated through the
Firearms for Freedom program. They, too, can be used to help
financially secure NRA's future and preserve your values for the
next generation. No, not everything may be of value, but our staff
and experts can help you sort out what may be.
One fascinating gift we received was from the late E.J. Owens. A
lifelong firearms collector and former president of the American
Society of Arms Collectors, he donated a unique collection of
percussion cappers - these are used to improve the speed and ease
in loading percussion arms. In addition, through the sale of his
firearms collection and through a tax-deductible gift, Mr. and Mrs.
Owens were able to permanently endow the Eldon and Edith Owens
Gallery of The American West in the National Firearms Museum.
Thanks to the thoughtfulness and generosity of this couple, this
rare and historic collection is now permanently available for the
general public to enjoy.
Not all of us may have carefully built collections, but most of us
do have items that could go to help financially secure NRA's
mission and future. All too often, items of considerable value are
unwittingly tossed in the trash by heirs. Thus, it is well worth
your time to sort through the items you own. Some of them might
include:
- Ammunition
- Sporting and wildlife art (paintings, bronzes, etc.)
- Old hunting and firearms books
- Collectible firearms-related accessories
- Advertising and related product promotional materials - i.e., old catalogs, bulletin boards and memorabilia
- Animal trophy collection
- Decoys
Q: How can I get personalized plan
assistance?
NRA's Advancement Officers (AOs) are our "boots on the ground" for
this program. They are, first and foremost, fellow patriots. They
understand the place firearms hold in our heritage and
freedom.
AOs are located across the country and there's sure to be one near
you. These officers work daily with individuals who are making
major gifts to the organization and they can assist in many way
ways.
Advancement Officers specialize in helping people accomplish their
goals. After getting to know you a bit, they will provide your best
options, discuss possibilities, answer any questions, assist in
getting firearms transferred, and keep you informed during the
entire process. Throughout, they will respect your need for
confidentiality.
Q. How do I take the next step?
If you're beginning to think about creating a plan to transition
your firearms, or even if you're already well into the planning
process, you'll want to contact the NRA Office of Advancement by
calling 855-4NRA-FFF or email [email protected].
