NRA funding mostly from citizens - CNN

[hso]

http://money.cnn.com/news/cnnmoney-investigates/nra-funding-donors/

From a small-town pharmacist to a commercial pilot, it's not just gunmakers that are funding the National Rifle Association’s political battles.
The organization's overall revenue, which includes membership dues, program fees and other contributions, has boomed in recent years – rising to nearly $350 million in 2013. The majority of this money funds NRA initiatives like member newsletters, sporting events and gun safety education and training programs.
These help the NRA recruit new members and spread its pro-gun message. But to influence laws and keep its chosen leaders in power, it has a separate pool of money to use.
A CNNMoney analysis of federal campaign finance records shows that much of this money comes from everyday Americans. And these contributions, which the NRA uses to keep pro-gun lawmakers in office, are on the rise.

Some political funding comes from big corporations, many within the gun industry, which donate millions to the NRA. But companies are barred from donating to the NRA’s political action committee, which the agency uses to fill campaign coffers, run ads and send out mailers for and against candidates.
That’s where individual donations come in.
Since 2005, the NRA Political Victory Fund has received nearly $85 million in contributions from individual donors. After the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting, donations to this political action committee surged as gun owners worried that their rights to buy and own guns were at risk.

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[plodder]

I did my little part, did you?

 

[yugorpk]

Democracy is so messy. People do all kinds of things other people don't like.

 

[bannockburn]

Imagine that, grass roots financial support for the NRA to help support Pro-Gun candidates and initiatives, coming from "everyday Americans".

Must be a slow news day at CNN Money.

 

[ClickClickD'oh]

I'm honestly shocked, and pleasantly surprised, to see a straight forward and honest article like this coming from CNN. It really helps put paid to the often repeated lie that the NRA is indebted to the manufacturers.

 

[Arizona_Mike]

I did my little part, did you?

Life Member since the early 90s, bought my late wife a Life Membership (I know, Ironic . . .) NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund is my sponsored Charity in Amazon Smile.

Mike

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

I did my little part, did you?

Yep.

 

[hso]

One thing we have to keep reminding people about is that contributions to the ILA are what fuel the political struggle.

 

[Red Wind]

A balanced article from CNN. A pleasant surprise. Being an NRA Life Member is always a good feeling.

The article makes us realize that we will win this war with anti gun Socialists no matter how many generations it takes. I'm an optimist.

 

[Arizona_Mike]

One thing we have to keep reminding people about is that contributions to the ILA are what fuel the political struggle.

NRA Institute for Legislative Action --> Legislation
NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund --> Litigation
NRA Freedom Action Foundation --> Pro 2nd Amendment Education and Voter Registration

Mike

 

[Ryanxia]

One thing we have to keep reminding people about is that contributions to the ILA are what fuel the political struggle.

Absolutely. Even if you can only donate $10 a pay period, it all adds up.

 

[J-Bar]

I wonder if CNN can name any other organization whose members are blamed when they DO NOT commit a crime? That would be good investigative reporting.

Patron Life member here, who sent them (the NRA, not CNN) a check two weeks ago.

 

[MagnunJoe]

Been an NRA member since 98. Maybe they would appeal more to other possible members IF their top execs didnt make so much money.

 

[mooosie]

That is what I keep telling friends the NRA is made up of like minded people, it is not some monster that just does what it wants, it serves it's members

 

[J-Bar]

Been an NRA member since 98. Maybe they would appeal more to other possible members IF their top execs didnt make so much money.

Yeah, let's have a bunch of incompetent stupid folks who can't get a job anyplace else running the NRA. That will work out well.

In the present political climate, I think NRA salaried employees earn their keep.

 

[barnbwt]

"A balanced article from CNN."
Really? They're pretty much claiming this is some recent trend (when, to my knowledge, industry contributions have never formed the bulk of support. I do suspect that prior to the NRA civil rights revolution that took place in the '70's, that industry probably did have some outsize influence compared to now, if only because the membership wasn't nearly so motivated & focused)

"In the present political climate, I think NRA salaried employees earn their keep."
At least guys like LaPierre will eventually get tossed out on their keesters if they get (actually) unpopular, since the NRA has periodic elections...unlike some (read: all) of their opposition orgs whose leadership is essentially purchased & appointed by the largest benefactor(s).

TCB