by James C. Fulmer | Past President, NMLRA
Every organization that is to last more than a generation needs endowments. An endowment is simply money or even property given to a person or institution to provide an income. Many endowments have restrictions placed on them so the money can only be used for specific needs of that institution. All of us love our muzzleloading firearms heritage. From the American Revolution to the Civil War these guns where used in defense of liberty and helped build our nation. The National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association wants to keep our American shooting heritage of this time period as a permanent asset and which is an essential part of this United States of America that we love and cherish. Here is how you can help.
Winner of the Founders Match, Mike Blazier.
The 1 of 1000 Endowment of the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association is such a program, conceived by NMLRA Past President Merrill Deere. His idea was to create a $1,000,000 endowment fund to support the Association. This goal was to be accomplished by offering participation in a special part of the NMLRA for a $1,000 contribution to the organization.
The funds are placed in a permanently restricted endowment fund. The principle remains in the endowment and can be used only to generate interest or purchase permanent assets such as land. The principal can never be used for the general operations of the Association. The interest earned can produce income for new and innovative programs that help ensure the long term viability of the organization and help it prosper.
The 1 of 1000 Endowment campaign is presently at 467 members—almost half way to the goal. The members of the 1 of 1000 are as mixed and different as the people of our United States. The NMLRA Endowment started with individuals such as Merrill Deere but expanded to businesses both large and small. Many other like-minded organizations and associations also have contributed.
[pullquote align=”left” cite=”” link=”” color=”#0066CC” class=”” size=””]“Remember that money is of a prolific generating nature. Money can beget money, and its offspring can beget more.”
—Benjamin Franklin, in a letter to “My Friend A. B.,” 1748
[/pullquote]
The goal for 2015 is to have at least one muzzleloading club or organization from each of the 50 states as a member of the 1 of 1000 Endowment. This will not only add to the financial strength of the NMLRA but also demonstrate that muzzleloading is alive in all 50 states. Currently 18 states have a member club—with 10 having two or more member clubs. The majority of clubs do not have an extra $1000 in their budget. There are a variety of ways for a club to secure the funds to join. The Solano Muzzle Loaders, #57, suggested 10 members each contribute $100 each, 12 members did. The late Ron Ehlert asked 20 members of his club, the Tennessee Longhunters, #75, to each contribute $50. Several clubs had a member who simply wrote a check for $1,000 and made the club a member. In another club a member announced if the other club members would donate $500 he would match it with his $500. The Conner Longrifles of Indiana host a very successful gun show. They have joined five times as member #s 159, 325, 378, 419, and 459. The Iowa Black Powder Federation has joined twice, as #s 294 and 467, by having creative fund raisers.
National Record Target shot by Bill Disbro, Ohio.
Right now, new 1 of 1000 Endowment members—both clubs and individuals—can receive a free, limited edition print: The Spirit of America by H. David Wright. They also receive a certificate of membership and a special 1 of 1000 sterling silver membership pin. An individual member or one member from a club can shoot in the 1 of 1000 Match at Friendship, IN, in September, and at the Western National Shoot in Phoenix, AZ, in March. All member clubs are encouraged to shoot in the annual 1 of 1000 postal match. All member clubs and individuals are entered in the annual drawing for the 1 of 1000 Powder Horn provided annually by the Honourable Company of Horners.
By joining the 1 of 1000 Endowment, you literally enable your name (or the name of who you donated on behalf of) to help support the NMLRA forever. The name of the donor will be permanently listed as a member of the 1 of 1000 Endowment display on the wall of the entryway of the NMLRA Education Building at Friendship. The NMLRA is a non-profit 501(c) 3 corporation so your contribution to the 1 of 1000 Endowment is tax deductible—whether paid in one sum, or spread out over three years—and will forever be invested in the future of our muzzleloading heritage.
[pullquote align=”left” cite=”” link=”” color=”#0066CC” class=”” size=””]“Remember that money is of a prolific generating nature. Money can beget money, and its offspring can beget more.”
—Benjamin Franklin, in a letter to “My Friend A. B.,” 1748[/pullquote]
Rep. Robert Latta (R-OH 5th) served as the First Shot speaker and fired the traditional shot down range to officially open the National Matches.
When 1 of 1000 Endowment Chairman Bob Copner approached me to write about the 1 of 1000, I didn’t hesitate for an instant. It is the least I can do. Bob and I joined the 1 of 1000 at the same time and I remember that he was surprised I was member #41 and he was #42. He thought he would be lucky to get in the 1 of 1000. He was happy he had a low number but it was bittersweet. He vowed to help change that, and he has. Bob Copner has driven the 1 of 1000 Endowment to the $467,000 mark—still a ways from one million but a long way from the $42,000 that was in the account when he started the drive. The NMLRA and I can’t thank him enough. My wife Linda and I are members of the 1 of 1000 Endowment because I want my grandchildren and their children to have the same opportunities learning about and living our American muzzleloading heritage.
We live in challenging times. We were born too late to pledge our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor by signing the Declaration of Independence. But we can vote, and we can join the 1 of 1000 Endowment to ensure our heritage survives. It is the right thing to do!
For more information about the NMLRA Endowment and how you can help, go to NMLRA.org or phone 1 of 1000 Endowment Chairman Bob Copner at 707-864-0442.
