Eligibility

Indiana K-12 schools and community organizations forming FIRST robotics teams are eligible for team grants. FIRST offers grants for all four program levels: FIRST LEGO League Jr. (PreK-6), FIRST LEGO League (4-8), FIRST Tech Challenge (7-12), and FIRST Robotics Competition (9-12). Indiana also has a state FIRST robotics ecosystem supported by TechPoint Foundation for Youth. Teams in underserved Indiana communities and schools with no existing robotics program receive priority for many grant programs.

Program Goals

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) offers team grants at every program level to help Indiana schools and community organizations start or continue robotics programs. Grants of $500-$5,000 per team cover registration fees, kit costs, and equipment for FIRST LEGO League, FIRST Tech Challenge, and FIRST Robotics Competition teams. Indiana's FIRST ecosystem is supported by TechPoint Foundation for Youth, which provides additional state-level grants for Indiana FIRST teams. Team grants rotate based on FIRST sponsor availability and program cycle.

Application and Distribution

FIRST team grant applications are submitted through the FIRST Inspires website. Grant availability rotates by sponsor and program level throughout the year. Indiana teams should check firstinspires.org/team-grants regularly for current opportunities. TechPoint Foundation for Youth also provides Indiana-specific FIRST team support — check techpointyouth.org for current Indiana FIRST grant availability.

Cycle Notes

FIRST team grants have rotating windows throughout the year based on sponsor availability. Indiana teams should monitor firstinspires.org/team-grants and techpointyouth.org for current Indiana FIRST grant opportunities. Apply as early as possible — FIRST team grants are often first-come, first-served within sponsor budgets.

Grant Award Amount

FIRST team grants range from $500 to $5,000 per team depending on the program level and sponsor. FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Tech Challenge teams typically receive smaller awards; FIRST Robotics Competition teams may receive larger grants. TechPoint Foundation for Youth provides additional in-kind support for Indiana FIRST teams.

Allowable Purchases

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for FIRST team grants in Indiana?

Indiana K-12 schools and community organizations forming FIRST robotics teams at any program level are eligible. Teams in underserved communities and schools without existing robotics programs receive priority.

How much can Indiana FIRST teams receive through team grants?

FIRST team grants range from $500 to $5,000 per team depending on the program level and sponsor. TechPoint Foundation for Youth provides additional in-kind support for Indiana FIRST teams.

When do FIRST team grants open for Indiana schools?

FIRST team grant windows rotate throughout the year based on sponsor availability. Monitor firstinspires.org/team-grants and techpointyouth.org for current Indiana opportunities.

Can FIRST team grant funds be used for coding and CS tools?

Yes. FIRST team grants cover registration, kits, and equipment. Complementary coding and CS tools can be funded through IDOE Digital Learning Grants, Ball Brothers Foundation Rapid Grants, or other Indiana grant programs.

How can Forward Education help Indiana FIRST teams?

Forward Education provides coding and AI literacy curriculum that complements FIRST robotics programs. We also provide letters of support for grant applications. Contact us to learn how our kits pair with Indiana FIRST team programming.