Next FTC Coaches Chat is scheduled for Tuesday, August 18 at 7:00 pm
High Level Agenda:
- Season schedule Updates – We do have a few changes
- New Control System Updates
Click here to attend the meeting.
Upcoming Grants to Apply For
FIRSTGrants | Find Funding for FIRST Robotics Teams (Not the official firstinspires page, hosted by an FRC team)
FIRST is currently accepting applications for several sponsor-funded grants. The most active right now are:
- BAE Systems FRC Grants (application closes Sept. 13, 2026)
- Boston Scientific FRC Grants (closes Sept. 30, 2026, location restrictions apply)
Check the FIRST grant portal regularly because new sponsor grants are added throughout the season.
- Boeing FIRST Team Grants Boeing continues to fund FIRST teams through the national FIRST grant system. Washington teams have historically been strong candidates because of Boeing’s large regional presence. Applications are managed through FIRST‘s grant portal
- Department of Defense STEM (DoD STEM) Robotics Grants These grants support FIRST teams, particularly: Rookie teams and Military-connected schools or teams serving military families.
A second-round funding cycle is expected in September, making this one of the best near-term opportunities.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
- Local Education Foundations
Many school districts have foundations that fund STEM, CTE, robotics, and enrichment activities. Washington has dozens of active education foundations that award grants annually. Examples include Bellevue Schools Foundation, Lake Washington Schools Foundation, Issaquah Schools Foundation, Highline Schools Foundation, Tacoma Community Foundation programs, and many others.
Typical award: $500 to $10,000
Timeline: Many fall application cycles open Aug-Oct.
- Community Foundations
County and regional community foundations frequently fund youth STEM programs, especially teams serving underrepresented students. Examples include Greater Tacoma Community Foundation and local county foundations throughout Washington.
Typical award: $1,000 to $25,000+
Be sure to regularly check the official firstinspires site for new grants that pop up! https://www.firstinspires.org/programs/team-grant-opportunities
For more ideas, collateral materials, templates and to view our fundraising teams meetings, go to: https://firstwa.org/fundraising/
For questions on fundraising and grants, contact Lila Cohen lilam@firstwa.org
Important Dates
Now FIRST Washington Registration is open
8-18: FTC Coaches Chat
9-12: FTC Kickoff
9-25: Need to be registered with FIRST Washington to be placed into a league
