FIRST Team Grant Opportunities
Eligibility
K-12 teams and schools participating in FIRST programs (FLL, FTC, FRC) in the United States, including Washington state. Teams must be registered with FIRST.
Program Goals
FIRST Inspires operates multiple grant and subsidy programs to help K-12 teams launch and sustain robotics programs. Grant opportunities include team registration fee waivers, equipment grants, and corporate-sponsored awards for FIRST Lego League, Tech Challenge, and Robotics Competition teams across Washington and the US.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Teams apply through the FIRST Inspires website. Different grants have different eligibility requirements and deadlines. Some are rolling; others have annual cycles. Register your team at firstinspires.org first, then explore available grants.
Cycle Notes
Grant availability is rolling and varies. New grant opportunities open throughout the year. Check firstinspires.org/robotics/team-grants regularly for current opportunities relevant to your team's FIRST program level.
Grant Award Amount
Award amounts vary by grant and corporate sponsor. Registration fee waivers, equipment grants, and cash awards are all available. Some grants are specifically for high-need schools or first-year teams.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- Coding for Good Kit - Coding and robotics skills built with this kit directly support FIRST team development at FLL and early FTC levels.
- CodeCTRL controller with display for micro:bit - Hands-on game controller accessory for robotics programming practice and interactive FIRST challenge preparation.
- Forward Education Learning Platform - Curriculum and coding tutorials that help students build the programming fundamentals needed for FIRST competitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What FIRST programs have grant opportunities?
Grants are available for FIRST Lego League (FLL), FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), and FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) teams. Check firstinspires.org for specific grants by program.
Can Washington teams apply for FIRST grants?
Yes. FIRST grants are national and open to eligible teams in all 50 states, including Washington.
Are there grants for first-year teams?
Yes. Some FIRST grants specifically target new teams or schools launching robotics programs for the first time. Check firstinspires.org for eligibility.
Do we need to be a registered FIRST team to apply?
Yes. Teams must be registered with FIRST Inspires to access most grant opportunities.
How do we find current grants?
Visit firstinspires.org/robotics/team-grants for a current list of available grants and corporate sponsor opportunities.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements.
- Curriculum alignment documents - Washington standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing - classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing
- Letters of support - documentation for grant applications
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence - ready-to-use program outlines
Download the Forward Education Grant Guide
Our grant guide helps educators find the right funding sources and build strong applications for STEM and coding programs.
Get the Grant Guide
