Gun Owners of America (GOA) Market Research Report

Background

Gun Owners of America (GOA), established in 1976 by California State Senator H.L. Richardson, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and defending the Second Amendment rights of gun owners in the United States. GOA positions itself as a "no-compromise" gun rights organization, distinguishing itself from other groups by its unwavering stance on firearm ownership rights. The organization's mission encompasses promoting a greater understanding and awareness of the importance and benefits of firearms ownership through education and advocacy initiatives.

Key Strategic Focus

GOA's strategic focus centers on:

Legislative Advocacy: Actively lobbying at both federal and state levels to influence legislation in favor of gun rights.

Public Education: Conducting informational activities to educate the public on firearm ownership rights and safety.

Membership Engagement: Keeping members informed about legislative developments and organizational initiatives through newsletters and other communications.

Financials and Funding

As a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization, GOA's financial structure is primarily supported by member contributions and grants. Key financial highlights include:

Fiscal Year Ending December 2023:

Revenue: $9,601,463

Expenses: $8,887,186

Net Assets: $6,270,075

Contributions and Grants: $9,575,616 (99.7% of total revenue)

Investment Income: $11,036 (0.1% of total revenue)

Other Revenue: $14,811 (0.2% of total revenue)

Executive Compensation: $327,199 (3.7% of total expenses)

Total Assets: $6,938,250

Total Liabilities: $668,175

Net Income: $714,277

Reported Conflict of Interest Transactions: Organizations must report loans, grants, or business transactions with interested parties, which may include key employees and officers, their family members, and any businesses in which they hold a controlling interest. These transactions must be reported on Schedule L.

Fiscal Year Ending December 2022:

Revenue: $6,995,508

Expenses: $10,698,495

Net Assets: $5,552,878

Contributions and Grants: $6,978,563 (99.8% of total revenue)

Investment Income: $1,391 (0.0% of total revenue)

Other Revenue: $15,554 (0.2% of total revenue)

Executive Compensation: $374,272 (3.5% of total expenses)

Total Assets: $6,209,117

Total Liabilities: $656,239

Net Income: -$3,702,987

Reported Conflict of Interest Transactions: Organizations must report loans, grants, or business transactions with interested parties, which may include key employees and officers, their family members, and any businesses in which they hold a controlling interest. These transactions must be reported on Schedule L.

Fiscal Year Ending December 2021:

Revenue: $8,674,177

Expenses: $5,988,553

Net Assets: $9,255,865

Contributions and Grants: $8,638,198 (99.6% of total revenue)

Investment Income: $1,470 (0.0% of total revenue)

Other Revenue: $34,509 (0.4% of total revenue)

Executive Compensation: $319,319 (5.3% of total expenses)

Total Assets: $9,655,984

Total Liabilities: $400,119

Net Income: $2,685,624

Reported Conflict of Interest Transactions: Organizations must report loans, grants, or business transactions with interested parties, which may include key employees and officers, their family members, and any businesses in which they hold a controlling interest. These transactions must be reported on Schedule L.

Leadership Team

Tim Macy: Chairman of the Board, serving for over 35 years since the organization's inception.

John Velleco: Executive Vice President, previously served as Director of Federal Affairs.

Erich Pratt: Senior Vice President, with over three decades in gun politics, serving as the chief national spokesman.

Sam Paredes: Board Member and Executive Director of Gun Owners of California, a sister organization.

Competitor Profile

National Rifle Association (NRA)

Membership: Reported 5.5 million members in 2018.

Financials: Membership dues increased from $128 million in 2017 to $170 million in 2018.

Public Perception: In 2015, 58% of Americans held a favorable opinion of the NRA.

National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF)

Lobbying Expenditure: Spent $4.9 million on federal lobbying in 2022, more than any other gun rights group.

National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR)

Lobbying Expenditure: Spent $1.4 million on federal lobbying in 2022.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

GOA has engaged in partnerships with organizations such as the Leadership Institute Inc. and BamaCarry, Inc., reflecting a collaborative approach toward supporting the Second Amendment.

Operational Insights

GOA's operations are characterized by:

Advocacy Initiatives: Active participation in events like the SHOT Show and the Gundie Awards to enhance visibility and networking within the firearms community.

Educational Programs: Launch of initiatives like the 2A Defender Student Luncheon and Second Amendment-themed book series for children to engage in educational efforts.