Shooting Range Grant Program

The Shooting Range Grant Program is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to support the development and improvement of public and organizational shooting ranges throughout Wisconsin. The program is intended to enhance safe shooting opportunities and expand access to recreational shooting facilities by assisting eligible applicants with the construction and improvement of outdoor and indoor shooting ranges. Funding is available to governmental units, clubs, organizations, and educational institutions for projects that improve range infrastructure and promote safe operation of shooting sports facilities. The Wisconsin DNR oversees the program and determines eligible project components based on operational necessity and public benefit. The program supports a wide range of eligible construction and improvement activities for outdoor shooting ranges. Eligible projects include construction of backstops and berms, target holders, shooting benches, baffles, protective fencing, signs, trenches, gun racks, platforms, and restroom facilities. Additional items considered essential to the operation of the range by the department may also qualify. Indoor shooting ranges may also receive support when the department determines they are needed. Indoor projects may include classroom facilities, storage space, and restroom facilities associated with the operation of the shooting range. The grant is intended to support essential range infrastructure and not general recreational or clubhouse amenities. Certain project expenses are specifically excluded from funding consideration. Construction of clubhouses and facilities that are not essential to the operation of the shooting range are considered ineligible. In addition, routine operation and maintenance expenses for existing ranges are not covered under the program. Applicants are directed to consult the official Shooting Range Grant Program Guidance and Application Instructions for additional details regarding eligibility standards, project requirements, reimbursement procedures, and documentation expectations. Applicants are also required to contact either the Grant Program Manager or the Public Shooting Range Manager prior to submitting an application in order to discuss the proposed project and application process. The Shooting Range Grant Program operates strictly as a reimbursement grant program. Applicants must incur and pay all eligible project expenses prior to seeking reimbursement from the Wisconsin DNR. Grant advances are not available under any circumstances. However, grantees may request partial reimbursements from the department on a quarterly basis during the life of the project. This structure requires applicants to have sufficient financial capacity to manage project expenses before reimbursement is received. Applicants should be prepared to maintain financial documentation and records demonstrating completed expenditures in accordance with reimbursement requirements. Eligible applicants include counties, cities, villages, townships, other governmental agencies or units, clubs or organizations, and educational institutions located within Wisconsin. Applicants are required to obtain a Unique Entity ID (UEI) through SAM.gov prior to application submission. The program previously used DUNS numbers but now requires UEI registration. Applications must be submitted electronically to the Wisconsin DNR using the designated program email address. For the 2026 grant cycle only, the annual application deadline has been extended to August 15, 2026. Applicants will receive an acknowledgement of submission within three business days after the deadline. Applicants who do not receive confirmation are instructed to contact the program manager. The application process requires submission of completed application materials directly to the Wisconsin DNR at DNRShootingRangeGrants@wisconsin.gov. The source material references program guidance and application instructions available through the Applying section of the program webpage. Applicants are expected to review all guidance materials carefully and coordinate with program staff before submission. The department may evaluate applications based on project necessity, operational relevance, safety improvements, and consistency with program objectives. Questions regarding the grant program may be directed to Sarah Brenner, Program Grant Manager, via email at sarah.brenner@wisconsin.gov. The Shooting Range Grant Program appears to operate on an annual recurring cycle with yearly application deadlines.

Discuss the project with the Grant Program Manager before applying and ensure sufficient financial capacity to cover reimbursable project costs prior to reimbursement.