PNW Social & Potluck
PNW FRC Coaches and Mentors,
You and the mentors on your team are invited to attend the PNW FRC Mentor Social & Potluck on Saturday, August 15, beginning at 1:00 PM at the FIRSTWA Fieldhouse in Kent (22426 72nd Ave S, Kent, WA 98032).
During the build season, it’s easy for teams and mentors to become somewhat siloed, and competitions don’t always provide the best opportunity to make meaningful connections. My hope is that this gathering will offer a relaxed environment for mentors and coaches to connect with others who share a passion for FIRST Robotics.
If you plan to attend, please sign up using this Google form.
For the potluck, please consider bringing an item based on the first letter of your last name:
- Appetizer or Snack: A–N
• Dessert: O–Z
Don’t hesitate to attend even if you’re unable to bring something.
Please share this invitation with the mentors on your FRC team. Water and soda will be provided, and attendees are welcome to bring their preferred alcoholic beverages as well. A few large ice coolers will be available. Because alcohol will be present, this event is limited to mentors and coaches who are 21 years of age or older.
There is interest in reviving the mentor roundtables that were last held in 2019. We will take a few minutes during the social to discuss ideas and begin planning for future mentor roundtable events.
If you have any suggestions or questions, feel free to reach out to me.
Regards,
Darren Collins
FRC 2046
Cell: 206-854-0630
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
8-15: PNW FRC Mentor Social & Potluck
9-26 & 27: Storm Surge
10-3: OR Girls Gen
10-4: FIRST Chance
10-10 & 11: Bordie Blast Through Time
10-17 & 18: WA Girls Gen
10-25 & 26: Block Party
