FIRST Robotics Competition Blog

Here at FIRST^®, we understand the importance of fundraising to start or to sustain a FIRST^® Robotics Competition team. Today we want to take this time to let our FIRST Robotics Competition teams know about the potential grant opportunities our generous sponsors have to offer. 

The New Team Grant application is now open for Rookie and New Veteran FIRST Robotics Competition teams. Be sure to apply before it closes on Monday, October 31^st, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Selected teams will receive $4,000 toward 2023 season registration and receive an additional $2,000 for next season. Please note that selected teams must be registered for a season event, but have not paid their registration fee before the grant can be applied to a team’s account.

FIRST is also excited to announce a funding opportunity, the Equity and Access Grant, available to FIRST Robotics Competition teams participating in the 2022-2023 season! Teams awarded the Equity and Access grant will receive a grant to support their designated project, which should be focused on increasing participation of female and/or underrepresented populations in STEM. Please note that preference will be given to projects that are presenting FIRST programs. For U.S.-based FIRST Robotics Competition teams, the grant funds will be unrestricted. For FIRST Robotics Competition teams outside of the U.S., the grant funds will be restricted to use on any registration fees for the team. Apply before the deadline of September 16, 2022.

We also invite you to learn about more of these opportunities and other grants available, located on the Team Grant Opportunities page. You can also check out the Fundraising Toolkit or our Fundraising 101 for more fundraising and donor stewardship best practices from other teams. Best of luck this season!