Government Grants for Gun Ranges: How to Fund Your Shooting Range Project

If you’re planning to build or upgrade a shooting range, the good news is there’s a range of government funding options that can help you do it. From federal support to state-specific programs, gun range operators across the country can take advantage of public funds to develop safe, accessible, and modern shooting facilities. At Spire Ranges, we work with range owners nationwide, and we know how powerful these grants can be when paired with the right design and construction team.

This blog breaks down the major grant programs available, where and how to apply, and what you need to know before getting started.

Federal Grant Programs

Pittman–Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act
This landmark legislation funds state wildlife agencies using federal excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment. Under the Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act (a 2019 amendment), states can receive up to 90% funding for:

• Acquiring land for public shooting ranges
• Expanding or constructing new public facilities
• Renovating or improving existing ranges

Funds are distributed to states, and range owners often apply through their state wildlife agency.

Where to Apply:
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service – Wildlife Restoration Program

NRA Range Grant Programs
The NRA supports shooting ranges through a few different grant types:

• NRA Range Grant Program – Up to $5,000 annually for range improvements, available to NRA-affiliated clubs.
• Public Range Fund – A matching grant program available to government agencies to create or enhance public ranges.
• State Fund Grants – Administered by The NRA Foundation, these grants support capital improvements and safety upgrades for nonprofit and public ranges.

Where to Apply:
NRA Range Grants
NRA Public Range Fund
NRA Foundation Grants

MidwayUSA Foundation Range Development Grants
Focused on youth shooting sports, this program provides grants between $2,500 and $75,000 to improve or expand ranges used by youth teams. Ranges must generally be tied to a MidwayUSA Foundation endowment to qualify.

Where to Apply:
MidwayUSA Foundation Range Grants

State-Specific Range Grants

Many states also offer their own grant programs for range construction and development. Here are several that actively fund range improvements:

• Colorado: Colorado Parks and Wildlife – Offers grants for small projects focused on public access and safety.
• Indiana: Indiana DNR – Grants for nonprofit/private ranges with public access components.
• Louisiana: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries – Provides financial assistance for developing shooting ranges in Louisiana, utilizing federal funds from the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act.
• Maine: Maine IFW – Supports hunter safety and range development.
• Minnesota: Minnesota DNR – Prioritizes youth education and access.
• Nebraska: Nebraska Game and Parks – Grants for building or upgrading public ranges.
• New Mexico: New Mexico DGF – Funding for safe and accessible shooting opportunities.
• New York: NRA Foundation – NY – Matching grants to public ranges aligned with education.
• Nevada: Nevada Department of Wildlife – Supports public range access and development.
• North Dakota: ND Game and Fish – Funds construction, enhancement, and equipment.
• Ohio: Ohio DNR – “Step Outside” grants for construction and renovations.
• Oregon: ODFW – Promotes conservation and education through range development.
• South Dakota: SD Game, Fish and Parks – Supports maintenance and new development.
• Texas: Texas Parks & Wildlife – Emphasizes educational and recreational access.
• Vermont: VT Fish and Wildlife – Funding for improving public range infrastructure.
• Wisconsin: WI DNR – Helps ranges serve hunter education and public safety.

Each state varies in how it administers its funds, but most require:

• Public access or educational programs
• Matching funds from the applicant
• A demonstrated need for range improvements or expansion

What to Know Before Applying

Whether you’re applying for a federal or state-level grant, there are some common elements across most programs:

Public Access
Grant funds often require that your range be open to the public for a certain number of hours or days per week. This helps justify the investment in community benefit.

Matching Requirements
You’ll likely need to match 10–25% of the funding with your own contributions. This can include cash, labor, materials, or donated equipment.

Compliance & Documentation
You’ll be expected to follow through on your scope of work and submit periodic reports. Most grants are reimbursement-based, meaning you’ll pay up front and be repaid.

Why Work With Spire Ranges

Navigating grant applications can be complex—but designing a range that qualifies for funding doesn’t have to be. At Spire Ranges, we specialize in building facilities that exceed expectations and align with state and federal grant requirements. Whether you’re developing a new public range or upgrading an existing one, we can help you:

• Design compliant, scalable shooting environments
• Identify infrastructure priorities for grant eligibility
• Partner with local agencies to support your application
• Build your range to exacting safety and performance standards

If you’re looking to fund a range project through a government grant, don’t go it alone. Spire Ranges is here to support your journey from grant planning to grand opening.

Contact Spire Ranges today to learn how we can help bring your project to life.