For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (First)
ActivePublic CharityScience & Technology
About For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (First)
To develop in the world’s young people a lasting interest in science and technology through participation in accessible, motivational programs that combine teamwork, competition, and mentorship.
Focus Areas
STEM educationYouth developmentRobotics and engineeringMentorship and career pathwaysCompetitions and events
Funding Style
program support (restricted to program activities)project-based fundingoperational support for programsshort-term/annual grant support
About For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (First)
For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) directs its grantmaking toward participation in accessible, motivational science and technology programs built around teamwork, competition, and mentorship. The largest grants in the file go to state-level FIRST affiliates, including $1,404,497 to FIRST in Michigan and $1,067,291 to IngenuityNE Inc, both for program support. That pattern shows a funder that underwrites the delivery infrastructure behind robotics and STEM participation rather than only isolated projects. The grant list also includes support for regional hubs such as FIRST in Texas, FIRST Chesapeake, Washington FIRST Robotics, and FIRST North Carolina, indicating a networked model that helps local organizations run seasons, competitions, and related program activity. FIRST also maintains scholarship opportunities tied to its participant pipeline, linking youth robotics involvement with postsecondary education and career pathways. Recent awards to school districts, community organizations, and higher-education institutions sit alongside affiliate grants, which suggests the foundation uses multiple organizational partners to keep its programs active across the country.
What For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (First) Funds
A major theme is robotics participation support. FIRST awarded $1,039,745 to FIRST In Texas in Harlingen and $352,750 to Robonauts Team 118 Boosters in League City, both for program support tied to team participation and related activity. Mentorship and local delivery are another visible thread. The foundation gave $912,300 to FIRST Chesapeake in Richmond and $534,430 to Washington First Robotics in Seattle, both reflecting the role of regional organizations in running FIRST programs. The portfolio also reaches into equity and access work. FIRST awarded $205,086 to the American Indian Science and Engineering Society in Albuquerque and $192,839 to Los Angeles Unified School District in Los Angeles, showing that it funds both community-based and school-based partners in STEM participation. Scholarship support sits alongside these operating grants through FIRST’s classroom-to-career and scholarship offerings for participants pursuing postsecondary education or STEM careers.
How For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (First) Gives
Typical grants cluster in a relatively narrow band: the p25 is $7,000, the median is $10,000, and the p75 is $17,152. The recent-grant list also shows much larger program-support awards to affiliates and partner organizations, which indicates a layered funding model with small awards and substantial operating-style support. The data shows repeated recipients across years, including FIRST in Michigan, FIRST Chesapeake, FIRST North Carolina, and Indiana FIRST Inc, so this is not a one-off grantmaker. FIRST is a public charity and a regular funder, and the active programs include both unsolicited opportunities and competitive or provider-specific scholarships.
Financial Snapshot
Annual Giving
$21.8M
Total Assets
$73M
Total Revenue
$84.9M
Total Expenses
$88.9M
Typical Grant Size
Most grants fall between $7K and $17K, with a median of $10K.
25th Percentile
$7K
Median
$10K
75th Percentile
$17K
Geographic Reach
National49 states funded
About 2% of grants go to recipients in CA.
Funding intensity
LowHigh
Headquarters
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