Female participation in shooting sports is on the rise, bringing fresh energy to a traditionally male-dominated field. However, many women in the sport struggle with confidence and find it challenging to connect with other like-minded women.
That’s where the Thrival Foundation comes in. Based in Southern Idaho, Thrival Foundation’s mission is to empower women and children through education and the development of self-reliance skills. They firmly believe encouragement, support, and knowledge are the keys to a brighter future. By equipping individuals with the tools they need to be self-sufficient and confident, they aim to make a positive and lasting impact on the world around us. Their commitment is to foster self-reliance, inspire personal growth, and pave the way for a more empowered and self-assured society.
Thanks to Idaho Friends of NRA fundraising, The NRA Foundation awarded over $3,000 to the Thrival Foundation in 2024 to support their mission. This funding helped provide a Glock 19, 9mm ammo, a gun safe, targets, three Ruger .22’s, and .22 practice ammo.
Over the past year, Thrival Foundation held its inaugural Wild Women’s Rendezvous, bringing together 75 women aged 16 and older from around the globe in the scenic hills of Idaho. The event focused on learning, bonding, and personal growth, with an emphasis on hunting and outdoor skills. Its mission is to have each participant leave feeling more confident and better prepared for outdoor adventures. This gathering, led by strong and capable women, aims to inspire a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts and foster connections among like-minded individuals.
Tara Bell, Executive Director of the Thrival Foundation, explained, “The support we receive from Friends of NRA is invaluable. We would struggle to host the Wild Women's Rendezvous without our grant. We are training over 75 women in one week in self-reliance skills to empower women and kids to have the confidence to thrive. That is priceless. We thank you!”
During the 5-day Wild Women’s Rendezvous event, participants learn:
- Wilderness Safety & Survival
- Safe Shooting Practice (Rifles, Handguns, Traditional Archery, Compound Archery, & Shotguns)
- Health & Fitness for the Outdoorswoman
- Hunting, Trapping, & Hound Hunting
- Wild Game Processing, Wild Game Cooking, Skinning, & Furs
A participant of the program, Jamie, shared, “The conscious choice to avoid risk is to avoid truly living. Here you will learn that you can take care and protect yourself. You’ll leave a new person.”
The NRA Foundation is proud to support organizations such as the Thrival Foundation, empowering them to make a bigger impact.
Learn more about The NRA Foundation and apply for an NRA Foundation grant: https://www.nrafoundation.org/grants/
The 2025 application cycle ends soon. View grant application deadlines here: https://www.nrafoundation.org/media/1xvjpe2i/grant-application-deadlines-webpage-list-2025.pdf
Make an impact on your local shooting sports programs by attending a Friends of NRA event near you! https://www.friendsofnra.org/events/
Photo Credit: Dusty Boots Photography
