In honor of National Shooting Sports Month—held annually in August—along with the growing popularity of the sport with new participants, MidwayUSA Foundation announced it has distributed more than $14.2 million in cash grants to support youth shooting sports in 2025. The record-breaking figure for the year includes multiple programs offered by the Foundation that encompasses coach training, range development, organizational and team grants. Of the $14.2 million total, youth shooting teams received $7.7 million in cash grants.
Many teams can take advantage of multiple programs. Murray State University’s Rifle Program received its annual team cash grant, as well as a range development grant in 2025.
This year 1,487 youth shooting teams received a cash grant and their payouts averaged $5,225.70. The funds are critical to the operation of high school and college shooting teams and assist with expenses, including ammo, targets, entry fees, safety equipment and travel. The top five states receiving grant funding this year are Minnesota, Missouri, Texas, Iowa and Wisconsin
“Our latest cash grant payout brings the Foundation’s total cash grant impact to over $80 million since 2008,” Midway USA Executive Director Pete Eisentrager said. “These are real dollars showing up in communities across the nation, helping thousands of youth shooting teams.”
Supporters can donate directly to the youth shooting team of their choice, which MidwayUSA Foundation will match, thanks to Larry and Brenda Potterfield. Donations are tax-deductible and 100 percent of the donation goes to the endowment of the donor’s choice. Nothing is removed for operations.
“Along with generous donors and selfless team leaders and volunteers, our endowment model will continue to fund America’s youth shooting teams now and in perpetuity,” Eisentrager added.
The next grant cycle for teams and organizations opens Oct. 15, 2025. Details can be found on the organization’s website.
Read the full article here