By Bill Miller
Sometimes it seems I am discouraged because it seems as though nothing “good” is going on in hunting or shooting sports. All we hear about are the work and words of those who are ag’in us. I think the problem is word just doesn’t spread as fast or as far about the “good stuff” and of great opportunities.
So with the visitorship of www.NBCsports.com, we can change that by giving publicity to opportunities that might slip by if we didn’t tout them. The following is a perfect example. If one person who can take advantage of this sees it, makes an application and plays a role in advancing the shooting sports among the next generation, then it was worth the effort and the space to share it!
If you work with the Boy Scouts or have an active scout in your family or circle of friends, then this one’s for you!
NSSF Accepting Applications for $100,000 in Grants
to Local Boy Scouts Councils
NEWTOWN, Conn. — Boy Scouts Councils, are you up for the challenge?
For the second year, the National Shooting Sports Foundation will make available a total of $100,000 in challenge grants to encourage developing and expanding shooting sports programs at local Boy Scouts of America Councils.
The challenge grants from NSSF, the trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting sports industry, are available to qualifying BSA Councils that plan to strengthen and increase their activities in the shooting sports. Such programs teach Scouts marksmanship skills, firearm and range safety, teamwork and fundraising.
“Our challenge grant program extends our longstanding partnership with the Boy Scouts of America and presents councils with a great opportunity to teach Scouts about the shooting sports and safe, responsible firearms ownership,” said Melissa Schilling, NSSF’s director of recruitment and retention. “Target shooting is one of the most popular Scouting activities, and NSSF hopes even more Scouts will gain knowledge of the shooting sports by taking advantage of these grants.”
BSA Councils applying for a grant must specifically earmark funds for shooting sports programs and provide matching funds at least equal to the grant request. NSSF will provide funding to the first 50 qualifying applicants up to a maximum of $2,000 in matching support.
Councils must use awarded funds toward the purchase of equipment and supplies for their shooting sports activities from an NSSF member retailer, a list of which is available at www.nssf.org/retailers/find. Examples of qualifying purchases are ammunition, eye and ear protection, firearms, targets and shooting vests.
Applicants may view NSSF BSA Council Challenge Grant guidelines and application procedures at www.nssf.org/bsagrant. For information contact Melissa Schilling at NSSF at mschilling@nssf.org.
