FIRST in Michigan

2018-2019 Middle School FTC Grants and Application Procedures

FIRST in MIchigan Progression of Programs Overview - single page (link)

Participation in a FIRST in Michigan official qualifying event in the 2018-2019 season is a requirement for teams accepting FIRST, FIRST in Michigan, MDE State, and/or sponsor specific grants.

Grants:

➤ FIRST FTC (national) Rookie Team Grant - OPEN; CLOSES 10/31

➤ FIRST in Michigan FTC Rookie Team Grant (reimbursement style grant) - OPEN

➤  Michigan Dept. of Education (MDE) FIRST Robotics State Grant - Open

➤ Ford Motor Co. Employee Mentored Team Grant - OPEN, closes October 30

➤ Arconic Grant - Closed Sept. 10

➤ Abbott Fund Grant - Closed

➤ FIRST FTC (national) Rookie Team Grant - OPEN; CLOSES 10/31

  • FIRST FTC national is offering a $500 rookie team grant that covers a newly forming team's $275 FIRST FTC registration fee and $225 towards the team's Kit of Parts purchase through the FTC Storefront.
  • Newly forming teams must apply for this grant in order to be eligible for the FIRST in Michigan Rookie Team Grant.
  • Rookie teams use their nine digit temporary team number to apply.
  • Do NOT pay for anything until a grant award decision is received. If awarded, the team must also see the grant funds as available in their Team Dashboard. Rookie teams that pay their 2018-19 registration fee and/or kit of parts will not be eligible for this grant.
  • Teams will be required to prove season participation at the end of the season.
  • Existing team(s) out of a given school/organization must be registered before a new team can be eligible for this grant
  • If awarded, teams will not receive their grant until the teams Lead Coach 1 and Lead Coach 2 are both successfully screened.
  • To apply: http://info.firstinspires.org/first-tech-challenge-rookie-grants. Fill out the interest form and you will be emailed the Submittable grant link
  • The link will have you create a Submittable Account and provide you access to the grant application.
  • This is a needs based competitive grant that factors in Title I funding and free/reduced lunch percentage.
  • If you know your school’s free/reduced lunch percentage, skip the next sub-bullets.
  • To find your school’s free/reduced lunch numbers: http://nces.ed.gov/globallocator/.
  • Pick “Michigan” from the State dropdown menu and enter a name, city, or zip code.
  • Select at least one of the four types of institutions found on the right side of the search tool. Once the list of schools is returned, click on your school name.
  • A pop up will appear of your school’s information, click on the “More Information” link at the top, under the school name. It should be the middle link.
  • Scroll down to the pink area and add together the numbers for free and reduced lunch. Divide this result by the “Total Students” number found in the light blue area then multiply by 100.
  • If your school isn’t on the list, reference the appropriate school in your area.
  • On the application:
  • Answer “No” to the question “Is your Team anticipating receiving another registration grant this season?”.
  • Where possible, include your team's/school's/city's unique challenges and include any demographics (underserved populations) that would assist in establishing need.  

Teams should WAIT to receive word on the award BEFORE paying the team’s FIRST FTC registration fee of $275 (rookies & veterans) and purchasing the team’s Kit of Parts through the FTC Storefront (rookies) as this grant can only be directly applied to these costs.  Once your team receives a response from FIRST FTC on the grant and, if awarded, sees it available to be applied on the Storefront - proceed with equipment order and registration fee/parts payment. Note that the review process for this grant takes around two weeks.

Questions about the FIRST FTC national Rookie Team Grant (not FiM grant), please email ftcgrants@usfirst.org. As always, please include your team number in the subject line of the note.

➤ FIRST in Michigan FTC Rookie Team Grant (reimbursement style grant) - OPEN

*FIRST in Michigan FTC Team Grants cannot be remit to individuals. The purchaser listed on the team’s uploaded Pitsco order confirmation must match the payee name listed on the grant application

ROOKIE TEAM GRANT

The intent of the FiM FTC Rookie Team grant is to provide one time funding to a school or youth enrichment 501c3 organization to establish a new middle school team (which includes a team number and Kit of Parts) that is then "owned" by the team's affiliated entity (school/501c3) for reuse year to year. The MDE FIRST Robotics State grant further solidifies the relationship between team and school. Team members and coaches may move through the program but the team number/Kit of Parts stays with the affiliated entity. Work with your team's affiliated organization as to the usage terms of the Kit of Parts and the replacement policy on consumed/damaged/lost parts.

This grant is made possible by the generous support of our FIRST in Michigan FTC Rookie Team Grant sponsors:

  • Consumers Energy
  • General Motors
  • DTE Energy Foundation
  • Ford Motor Co.

Please recognize these grant sponsors (engineering book, robot branding, team shirts, pit bling, etc.) and make your team aware of their gift. Sponsors often serve as volunteers at events and will be visiting the teams that accept their funding.  Logos are available for download on the FIRST in Michigan site: http://www.firstinmichigan.org/ftc/downloads.php.

Rookie teams must first apply and receive an award decision for the FIRST FTC national team grant before applying for the FIRST in Michigan FTC Team Grant (see above grant description).

Teams are responsible for following the FIRST in Michigan FTC grant instructions, parameters and requirements listed below.  Especially key to note is Section 1.B.2 regarding multiple teams from one school/organization. Any questions, please email michiganftc@gmail.com.

The grant form link is at the end of this section - please read the instructions/parameters/requirements before filling out the form.

MUST READ!  FIRST in Michigan FTC Rookie Team Grant Instructions, Parameters, Requirements:  

  1. WHO MAY APPLY:
  1. FIRST in Michigan aligned middle school FTC team comprised entirely of middle school team grade/age members only.  Middle School grade designation is as defined by the local school district where the team is located.
  2. Teams must be affiliated with and recognized by an entity such as a school (public or private) or a youth enrichment 501c3 type of organization (scouts, 4-H, home school coalition, etc.) that agrees to serve as the team’s fiscal partner and owner of the team number/kit of parts. The intent is to have teams affiliated with a sustainable entity for ongoing team support and to keep the reusable  team number and kit of parts "in play" year to year. The “Payee” name for the reimbursement check should be the team's fiscal partner (school, 501c3 organization). Grant checks cannot be remit to individuals. Payment to an individual results in the grant being considered taxable income to the person receiving the funds which is not the sponsor's intent.
  3. Multiple teams from one school/organization:
  1. If your school/organization did not participate in the past, each of the teams you register this season may apply for a grant.
  2. If your school/organization participated in FTC in the past, and the number of registered teams from your school/organization this season will exceed the highest number of teams registered in past seasons - the additional incremental teams may each apply for a grant.
  1. EXAMPLE:  School/organization with 1 existing team which re-registers for 2018-19 season, 2 rookie (new) teams in that school/organization register for 2018-19 season, making 3 total.  The two new teams may apply for the rookie grants.
  2. EXAMPLE:  School/organization with 1 existing team which does not re-register for 2018-19 season, 1 rookie (new) team in that school/organization registers for 2018-19 season.  The new team is not eligible for the rookie grants.
  1. School/organization with an existing FTC team  which does not re-register for the 2018-19 season and a "Jumpstart" team (registered after 2/1/18 but before 4/1/18) that accepted grant funds, the spring team must return the kit of parts to FIRST in Michigan or refund the grant funds.
  1. WHEN TO APPLY:  
  1. All of the following must have occurred before a grant form can be submitted:
  1. The team is registered for the 2018-2019 season on the FIRST website:  http://www.firstinspires.org/
  2. Two Lead Coach/Mentors have been identified and are working towards completing the team profile, electronically signing FIRST & FIRST in Michigan Consent/Release forms, and completing the background screening process (YPP)
  3. Rookies:
  1. Team has applied and has received an award decision for the FIRST FTC (national) Team Grant.
  2. The team has a permanent team number. Applications with temporary team numbers will not be processed.
  1. The team’s fiscal partner has completed the purchase of the FTC Kit of Parts through the FTC Storefront. Note that the payee name entered on the grant form must match the purchaser name on the submitted Pitsco Purchase Confirmation.
  1. The FiM FTC Team Grant is a reimbursement-style grant. If it presents a hardship to the team’s affiliate to front the money, email michiganftc@gmail.com to work out an alternative arrangement.
  1. Teams must upload their Pitsco Proof of Purchase confirmation as part of the grant application submission.
  1. The Pitsco Purchase Confirmation can be downloaded from the FTC Storefront after the team completes their Kit of Part purchase (do not send the quote version nor screenshots). Or, create a pdf from the emailed confirmation sent to the individual that executed the initial kit of parts purchase on behalf of the team. The email is usually generated from: dlove@pitsco.com (to assist in the "search").
  2. If the purchaser pays by PO, the PO payment confirmation must also be provided as part of the file upload showing the PO paid in full.
  3. Have document(s) in pdf format for uploading. File naming convention: Pitsco<Team Number>.pdf. Example: Pitsco12345.pdf.
  1. Please have the following information ready to share: Ensure that the information in these fields is input accurately and conforms to formats accepted by mailing/shipping services. FIRST in MI will not verify this information. Any inaccuracies could result in delays or lost checks/equipment.
  1. Payee name for reimbursement check (team’s fiscal partner, cannot be an individual)
  2. Mailing Name (max 40 characters; i.e. school/organization)
  3. Mailing Address 1 (max 40 characters)
  4. Mailing Address 2 (if needed, max 40 characters)
  5. Mailing City (max 25 characters)
  6. Mailing State (max 2 characters i.e. MI)
  7. Mailing Zip (xxxxx or xxxxx-xxxx format)
  8. ATTN First Name (optional; max 25 characters)
  9. ATTN Last Name (optional; max 25 characters)
  1. TERMS OF THE GRANT:
  1. Team that receive a grant are required to build a robot from the kit of parts and participate in at least one official FIRST in Michigan FTC competition during the 2018-2019 season.  
  2. Grants are restricted for use in support of the receiving FIRST in Michigan Middle School FTC team and their current FTC season related expenses.  Teams must keep record of how grant funds are used and be able to provide proof of fund usage upon request.
  3. Grant recipients agree to recognize sponsor(s) support and agree to provide photos and stories of their season upon request.  
  4. Reimbursement award amount could be adjusted lower based on the team’s submitted proof of purchase confirmation/receipt.  Purchasing significantly less equipment than recommended or not providing required receipts could result in a lesser award or a declined grant.
  5. Rookie Team Grant:.
  1. The grant award will take into consideration the team’s FIRST FTC (national) Team Grant award.
  2. Payout amount will cover the difference between the team’s submitted initial Kit of Parts purchase confirmation (via the FTC Storefront) and the FIRST FTC (national) Team Grant award, amount not to exceed $1,200. Example:  If a rookie team is awarded the full FIRST FTC national team grant ($500), the FiM FTC Rookie Team grant payout will be $700 (cost to the team).
  1. The FTC Kit of Parts, made possible through the grant, is reusable year to year. The FTC Kit of Parts and corresponding FTC Team Number are the property of the team's affiliated school or 501c3 organization. Please work with your team's affiliated organization as to the usage terms of this property and the replacement policy on consumed/damaged/lost parts.
  2. Teams and their affiliates that accept these grant funds agree to sustain the team from year to year.
  3. As grants are limited in number and the FTC Kit of Parts is reusable year to year - FIRST in Michigan FTC retains the right to request a team's sustainability plan prior to approval.
  4. If the team accepts a grant award and fails to comply with the terms and requirements of the grant, the team must return all equipment purchased with the grant to FIRST in Michigan or reimburse FIRST in Michigan for the full amount of received grants.  
  1. TIMING:
  1. Teams approved for grants will receive the funds when team registration is verified and kit of parts proof of purchase is received.  Grant applications will be reviewed on a monthly basis.
  1. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS:
  1. By submitting the grant form, the middle school FTC team and their affiliate (henceforth referred to as "they") understand that they are required to build a robot from the kit of parts and compete in an official FIRST in Michigan FTC event in the 2018-19 season. They understand that the FTC Team Number and FTC Kit of Parts is reusable and they agree to sustain the team from year to year . They understand that if they do not comply with these requirements, the kit of parts will have to be returned to FIRST in Michigan or the team/affiliate  invoiced for the value of the grants.
  1. TO APPLY:   
  1. Apply for FIRST in Michigan FTC rookie team grants at this link:  
    FIRST in Michigan FTC Grant Application.

➤  Michigan Dept. of Education (MDE) FIRST Robotics State Grant - Open

The MDE FIRST Robotics State Grant is now open for application. The State set aside $3 million of a $3.5 million robotics grant JUST for FIRST teams! Please review this linked letter about the MDE FIRST Robotics State Grant for news and info on the grant, including key dates. Be sure to share it with your school administrators!

Your district (or school, if not part of a district) cannot apply until your team is registered for the season, so please get registered right away.

  • Please remember that ALL of your FIRST teams, from FLL Jr through FRC, go on one single application
  • Be sure to wait until ALL of your teams are registered and included on the application before submitting.

Highlights for FTC teams:

  • Increased coach stipend to $1,500, cap of one per building.
  • Increased rookie team grant to $1,000; veteran team grant remains at $300

Payout is made incrementally as part of the school’s monthly state aid payout.  The grant is available for application on the MDE's MEGS+ system which is accessible by the Level 5 employee (usually someone in finance) for the school or district.

Teams applying for this grant must show their school affiliation on their Team Profile. The Team Profile can be edited via the team’s Dashboard accessible from the FIRST Account of the Lead Coach/Mentor 1 & 2.

What information to share with your Level 5:

  • FIRST Program: Our program is FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC).
  • FIRST Team Number: Please make  sure it's accurate. Use your permanent team number.
  • Team Name: If you don't have a team name yet, just make one up. Don't let this part hold up the application.
  • School Building: Team’s affiliated school.
  • Coach Name, email, phone number

Participation in a sanctioned FIRST in Michigan FTC event in the 2018-19 season is a requirement of teams that receive the MDE FIRST Robotics grant award.

➤ Ford Motor Co. Employee Mentored Team Grant - OPEN, closes October 30

FIRST teams (all programs) with a Ford Motor Co. employee mentor can apply for a Ford Motor Co. FIRST Robotics team grant. The grant amount for FIRST Tech Challenge teams that meet the criteria is $300.

Things to note:

  • Only one person per team should apply.
  • If you are a returning team, you will need the email and password that you used during last year’s application process. If you have forgotten the password there is a link to have it reset.
  • Team must have a Ford Motor Co. employee as an active mentor for the team.
  • FAQs on the grants.

Instructions for applying:

  • Apply via the Ford Motor Co. STEAM website: http://www.stem.ford.com/STEM/RoboticsOverview
  • Click on the link at the bottom of the page: “Learn more about Ford support for Jr.FLL, FLL and FTC programs”.
  • Click “Submit your preliminary request for team support”.
  • If your team has applied for this grant in the past: Click on “Already a user? Login here” Use the email and password that you used during last year’s application process.
  • This will begin a short process in which you fill out the preliminary application.

The “Remit to” information for the grant is captured under the “FIRST School” name/address input fields on the form. Use the team’s fiscal partner information (school or 501c3 organization) for these fields. The school name/affiliated org. should be included in the “Affiliation” area. Grant checks cannot be made out to an individuals.

➤ Arconic Grant - Closed Sept. 10

Arconic Grants Available

FIRST Tech Challenge is now offering Arconic Grants to teams in specific areas. New and existing FIRST Tech Challenge teams are eligible for this grant.  Funding will be as follows:

  • Rookie teams will receive $1,000 and Veteran teams will receive $500. Teams must register with FIRST and hold at least a temporary team number prior to receiving the grant.
  • Teams applying must be located within a 25-mile radius of the locations listed below.
  • This grant is administered by FIRST FTC national. To fill out a 2018-19 Arconic Foundation Grant Application click here.

Arconic Locations:

Farmington Hills Automotive Center
37000 W. 12 Mile Road
Farmington Hills, MI  48331
United States

Arconic Wheel and Transportation Products
Products: Administration, Engineering, Sales
Whitehall Operations
3850 White Lake Drive
Whitehall, MI  49461

Arconic Power and Propulsion
Products: Business Unit Headquarters
Whitehall Operations
One Misco Drive
Whitehall, MI  49461

➤ Abbott Fund Grant - Closed

A new FIRST national grant is now open: the Abbott Fund Grant. This grant is open for application Oct. 21-Nov. 4. Eligible teams can be awarded $1,000! Michigan FTC teams located within 25 miles of the Abbott Sturgis location are eligible to apply for this grant. For a list of zip codes in this radius: Abbott Fund 25 Mile Radius Zip Codes. This list is a guide and does not guarantee eligibility.

Qualifications for this grant: