The organization formerly known as The NRA Foundation today renamed itself The 1791 Foundation, continuing a 35-year legacy under a name that reflects where the organization is headed. Since 1990, the Foundation has awarded more than $500 million in grants supporting firearm education, training, youth programs, conservation, and preserving America's shooting and hunting heritage in communities across the country. None of that changes.
The name "1791" is intentional. It honors the ratification of the Bill of Rights in 1791, the moment the Second Amendment was formally enshrined in the Constitution and became part of the American republic's fabric. This represents the constitutional foundation for the freedoms and traditions the organization exists to preserve and advance through charitable work.
The announcement comes as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 235th anniversary of the Bill of Rights' ratification. Foundation leadership says this moment presents a unique opportunity to prepare the organization for the next 235 years of mission-driven impact.
"This is not a change in mission. It is a renewed commitment to fulfilling that mission as effectively and responsibly as possible," said Tom King, President of the Board of Trustees of The 1791 Foundation. "Our focus remains exactly where it has always been: supporting programs and initiatives that strengthen communities, expand access to the shooting sports, promote firearm education, support law enforcement training, preserve our hunting heritage, and invest in the next generation of Americans."
Leadership emphasized that while the organization's name and visual identity are changing, the Foundation's core charitable mission remains unchanged. The transition reflects a strategic decision to better position the organization to grow, build new partnerships, engage future generations of supporters, and maximize the impact of its charitable giving nationwide.
As part of the transition, the Foundation is also positioning itself to operate with greater independence, leaner overhead, and enhanced operational efficiency through its own dedicated staff and infrastructure. Leadership says those changes will allow more resources to flow directly toward mission-aligned programs and charitable impact in communities across the country.
"At its core, nonprofit leadership is a stewardship responsibility," King continued. "Every dollar entrusted to this organization represents a donor's belief that their contribution will be governed responsibly and deployed effectively in service of a clearly defined mission. This transition reflects our commitment to honoring that trust and ensuring this institution is positioned to thrive for generations to come. The best way to honor 35 years of donor trust is to make sure the next 35 are even stronger."
The 1791 Foundation's new name, visual identity, website, and social media channels go live today at 1791.org.
About The 1791 Foundation: The 1791 Foundation is one of the nation's leading charitable organizations supporting firearm education, youth shooting sports, law enforcement training, conservation, hunting heritage, and competitive shooting programs. Since 1990, the Foundation has awarded more than $500 million in grants supporting programs and initiatives in communities across the United States. Learn more about the Foundation's mission, impact, and supported initiatives at 1791.org.