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Jeff Cooper Legacy Foundation
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      a JCLF Library Initiative
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Jeff Cooper Legacy Foundation

An armed man is a citizen; unarmed, he is merely a subject

Apply for a Scholarship

Apply for a Scholarship

Notice to Applicants
 
Thank you for your interest in the Jeff Cooper Legacy Foundation scholarship.  This prestigious award provides tuition for the 250 Defensive Pistol Course at Gunsite Academy in Paulden, Arizona.  Applicants should note that they will be responsible for all expenses beyond tuition.
 
Gunsite Academy is internationally recognized as the gold standard in firearms training, founded on the principles established by Colonel Jeff Cooper, a pioneer in America’s firearms traditions and training.   Earning this scholarship is not only a significant honor but also a unique opportunity to train in the Cooper tradition.
 
We encourage all applicants to approach this process with careful thought and purpose.  To apply, you must submit your application plus a letter of recommendation from a sponsor who can speak to your qualifications and suitability for this scholarship.  A valid sponsor is someone other than the applicant or applicants family member.  This endorsement is a critical component of the application, offering the Board of Directors valuable insight into how your selection helps fulfill the Foundation’s mission.  This letter must include contact information for your sponsor.
 
Applications that do not meet these requirements will be considered incomplete and will be rejected.  
 
We look forward to reviewing your application and commend you for pursuing this opportunity.
 
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Jeff Cooper founded Gunsite in 1976 to be a school where the private citizen could learn the fundamentals of self-defense, and the safe and appropriate use of personal firearms. Since its inception in 2006, and in keeping with this spirit, the JCLF has awarded scholarships to a wide array of worthy applicants of all ages, from law enforcement to housewives, from pastors to high school students. Some of our recipients have been inspired to become firearms instructors themselves.

If you would like to be considered for a JCLF scholarship, please submit the application HERE.

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Instagram

If you are a shooting/gun club with a place to meet and space for a library, we are offering to seed your own version of The Cooper Shelf with a selection of Jeff Cooper’s books to get you started.  Please visit our website for details.  jeffcooperfoundation.org &  Spread the word!  Thank you!!
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If you are a shooting/gun club with a place to meet and space for a library, we are offering to seed your own version of The Cooper Shelf with a selection of Jeff Cooper’s books to get you started. Please visit our website for details. jeffcooperfoundation.org & Spread the word! Thank you!!
2 days ago
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Jeff out with daughter, Parry, doing some shooting.  August 1970.
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Jeff out with daughter, Parry, doing some shooting. August 1970.
5 days ago
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Our Latest Scholarship Recipient, Melonie Kennedy, from Southern AZ with Lindy at The Sconce.  September 3, 2026
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Our Latest Scholarship Recipient, Melonie Kennedy, from Southern AZ with Lindy at The Sconce. September 3, 2026
5 days ago
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An API graduate receives his graduation certificate from The Colonel in the Late 1970’s. If you know who this fellow Raven is, let us know!  #gunsiteranch #jeffcooperlegacyfoundation
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An API graduate receives his graduation certificate from The Colonel in the Late 1970’s. If you know who this fellow Raven is, let us know! #gunsiteranch #jeffcooperlegacyfoundation
4 weeks ago
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4/9
Shooting some clays with the granddaughter.  You might recognize the rifle as “Scout 1”- A .308 Remington 600 with a Leupold M8-2X.  As far as we know, nobody knows where this rifle is today.
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Shooting some clays with the granddaughter. You might recognize the rifle as “Scout 1”- A .308 Remington 600 with a Leupold M8-2X. As far as we know, nobody knows where this rifle is today.
1 month ago
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5/9
Jeff with his first Big Game rifle, A Remington M30S in 30-06 acquired when he was 16.  It was re-stocked and re-furbished, probably in the 60’s.  Here he is using a target sling and conventionally-mounted scope.  He had not yet developed the Scout Rifle and CW Sling concept.
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Jeff with his first Big Game rifle, A Remington M30S in 30-06 acquired when he was 16. It was re-stocked and re-furbished, probably in the 60’s. Here he is using a target sling and conventionally-mounted scope. He had not yet developed the Scout Rifle and CW Sling concept.
1 month ago
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Jeff Cooper and Eric Ching, May 1986, While attending a rifle class at the American Pistol Institute (API, later Gunsite Academy) in Paulden, Arizona, under Jeff Cooper.

Eric Ching (1951–2007) took the rifle class that year, grew frustrated with the limitations of the then-standard CW/military-style shooting sling, and designed the three-point “Ching Sling” as a faster, more practical alternative. Jeff endorsed and adopted it for the scout rifle concept, naming it after him.

Eric was a Gunsite student and later a long-time Rangemaster/instructor.
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Jeff Cooper and Eric Ching, May 1986, While attending a rifle class at the American Pistol Institute (API, later Gunsite Academy) in Paulden, Arizona, under Jeff Cooper. Eric Ching (1951–2007) took the rifle class that year, grew frustrated with the limitations of the then-standard CW/military-style shooting sling, and designed the three-point “Ching Sling” as a faster, more practical alternative. Jeff endorsed and adopted it for the scout rifle concept, naming it after him. Eric was a Gunsite student and later a long-time Rangemaster/instructor.
1 month ago
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7/9
Congratulations to our latest scholarship recipient, Kim Pastore. August 7, 2026.
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Congratulations to our latest scholarship recipient, Kim Pastore. August 7, 2026.
1 month ago
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En Garde!
En Garde!
En Garde!
En Garde!
En Garde!
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En Garde!
1 month ago
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Links:

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Our Mission:

Our purpose is to promote and perpetuate the teachings and philosophy of Jeff Cooper, with special emphasis on the proper techniques for the use of small arms, the importance of self-reliance and the individual right and duty of self-defense.

The Foundation awards scholarships for training and education in the Cooper tradition.   In addition, it preserves, archives and maintains  Colonel Cooper’s writings and personal collections so that they may provide study and learning opportunities and inspiration for generations to come.

Photo Gallery

 Janelle with Christy.
Janelle with Christy.
 Major and Mrs. Cooper.
Major and Mrs. Cooper.
Jeff and 'Baby 'in Africa with the skulls of two buffalo. 2 Shots, 2 Seconds, 2 Buff. Taken 10 May 1990 on Jeff's 70th birthday.
Jeff and 'Baby 'in Africa with the skulls of two buffalo. 2 Shots, 2 Seconds, 2 Buff. Taken 10 May 1990 on Jeff's 70th birthday.
Jeff's older brother, Harry Brand "Heinie" Cooper.
Jeff's older brother, Harry Brand "Heinie" Cooper.
Creep's eye view of Jeff
Creep's eye view of Jeff
Jeff in Africa with 'old Nyati' his buffalo.
Jeff in Africa with 'old Nyati' his buffalo.

Random Quote:

“Safety is something that happens between your ears, not something you hold in your hands.”

Jeff Cooper

Products

  • Yukon Journal by Jeff Cooper - Free Shipping!!! Yukon Journal by Jeff Cooper - Free Shipping!!! $50.00
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