GRANTS

FIRST LEGO League Explore students

Exciting grant opportunities are available to support FIRST in Michigan lower-elementary FIRST LEGO League Explore teams. Teams are also encouraged to seek funding from businesses and organizations in their communities. Parents and mentors may wish to contact their employers, as many companies offer grants to employees involved in youth STEM programs.

Michigan Grade and Edition Eligibility:
FIRST in Michigan supports the FLL Explore Founders Edition for students in grades K–3. Although the FIRST Dashboard identifies the Explore Founders Edition as serving grades 2–4, Michigan teams should select the Founders Edition registration option and follow FIRST in Michigan’s K–3 grade requirements. Teams applying for FIRST in Michigan grants or participating in Michigan events must meet the eligibility requirements listed on this website.

Teams should carefully review each grant’s eligibility requirements and application procedures before applying. Participation in a sanctioned FIRST in Michigan FLL Explore event is required for all grant recipients.

TEAM GRANTS
MI Dept. of Education FIRST Robotics State Grant – Opens Fall 2026

MDE FIRST Robotics Grant Eligibility

FIRST LEGO League Explore teams serving early-elementary students may be eligible for an MDE FIRST Robotics Grant if they are affiliated with an MDE-recognized public or private school, charter school, or academy.

Eligible Explore teams may receive up to:

  • $1,140 for a rookie team
  • $720 for a returning team
  • A coach stipend in an amount to be announced

Grant funds are distributed incrementally to the school or district through its monthly state-aid payments.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through MDE’s NexSys system. This system is accessible to the school or district’s Level 5 employee, who is typically a member of the finance or business office.

Coaches should contact their school or district’s Level 5 employee and provide the information needed to complete the application.

Information to Provide

  • FIRST Program: FIRST LEGO League Explore
  • FIRST Team Number: Use the team’s accurate, permanent FIRST team number.
  • Team Name: If the team has not selected a name, a temporary name may be used so the application is not delayed.
  • Affiliated School Building: Provide the name of the school with which the team is affiliated.
  • Coach Information: Provide the coach’s name, email address, and phone number.

Verify the Team’s School Affiliation

The team’s school affiliation must appear on its FIRST Team Profile. Lead Coaches/Mentors 1 and 2 can review or update the Team Profile through the team’s Dashboard in their FIRST Account.

Event Participation Requirement

Teams receiving an MDE FIRST Robotics Grant must participate in a sanctioned FIRST in Michigan FLL Explore event during the applicable grant season.

Michigan Progression of Programs

The MDE FIRST Robotics Grant also includes award and coach-stipend components for other FIRST programs. To qualify, teams must be affiliated with an eligible Michigan school and aligned with the Michigan FIRST Progression of Programs:

  • FIRST LEGO League Discover: Pre-K
  • FIRST LEGO League Explore: Grades K–3
  • FIRST LEGO League Challenge: Upper elementary
  • FIRST Tech Challenge: Middle school
  • FIRST Robotics Competition: High school
DonorsChoose

Eligible educators may create a DonorsChoose project to request materials needed for their FIRST team. DonorsChoose has successfully helped fund materials for many FIRST teams, including teams in Michigan.

FIRST currently offers a sponsor-supported DonorsChoose funding opportunity through 3M. Funding is not guaranteed, and eligible projects must meet the applicable donor requirements. DonorsChoose funding may be used for team materials and equipment, but it cannot be used to pay FIRST team registration fees.

Visit the FIRST DonorsChoose funding page for current eligibility requirements and application instructions.

Other Funding Ideas

Teams are encouraged to explore grant opportunities offered by businesses and organizations in their communities. Coaches should ask team parents and mentors to check with their employers, as many companies provide grants, matching gifts, or volunteer awards to employees involved in youth STEM programs.

GRANT TIPS
Items to Check Before Submitting a Grant Application

Before submitting a grant application, confirm the following:

  • The application includes the team’s correct permanent team number. Most grants will not accept a temporary team number. Temporary team numbers typically begin with “2020.”
  • Any required proof-of-purchase documents are clearly labeled with the team number.
  • The grant check’s “remit to” name is the team’s fiscal partner. This may be a school, school district, 501(c)(3) organization, foundation, or another organization that manages funds on the team’s behalf. Grant checks cannot be made payable to an individual.
  • Any returning teams affiliated with the school or organization are registered for the current season.
  • The team has two screened and approved coaches.
  • The Team Profile identifies the team’s affiliated school or organization.
Ways to Thank a Grant Sponsor

Teams are encouraged to thank grant sponsors by recognizing their support on team social media and displaying their logo on appropriate team materials, such as team shirts, the robot, pit displays, giveaways, or the Engineering Notebook.

Sponsors may also volunteer at events or visit teams that received their funding. Team members should understand who supported them and be prepared to offer a personal thank-you.

Sponsor logos are available for download from the Resources page.