Helping Hands FTC Grant
We are closely monitoring the shortage of new control systems for our FIRST® Tech Challenge program due to the global chip shortage. FIRST® in Texas is committed in doing our best to help mitigate that for our teams. With this delay, we have no ability to accept new FIRST® Tech Challenge teams that do not already have control systems to register for events in Texas. Those of us at FIRST® in Texas are asking any retired team or teams planning to sit out the 2022 – 2023 season to help us gather control systems in support of new teams so we could properly welcome them into the Texas family.
With that, FIRST® in Texas, in no small part in partnership with its amazing sponsors, has put together a “Helping Hands FTC Grant” for any former or existing team in Texas. We need working control systems that are not damaged and that could be used for a new team. In appreciation of the gracious professionalism extending in helping us, we are providing a $350.00 equipment grant to any team that sends us their extra or retired control systems. There is no limit to the number of grants your team may receive. Here is more information:
- Control system must be considered legal according to Game Manual Part 1.
- Should include an entire control system that is ready to play which may include both:
- REV Control Hub –or- REV Expansion Hub with Android Robot Controller Phone
- Driver Hub -or- Android Driver Station Phone with OTG Micro-to-A USB Cable
- Two Game Pads
- Control system must be in working order and ready for competition
- Control system must contain all cords and accessories to function
Once we receive the equipment, we will verify it works and package it for a new team in Texas. We will tag the equipment with your team’s number and process your grant for your team. When we receive a new team request, we will send them, free of charge, the new control system once they complete registration. The team will be given a special card from us with your team number on it and encourage them to reach out to you to in appreciation. Furthermore, as part of your engagement in this unique special mission of FIRST® in Texas, we will provide you with a special “Helping Hands FTC Grant” certificate to be included in your upcoming FIRST® Tech Challenge Portfolio to help you celebrate your success in helping those interested in joining the FIRST® Tech Challenge family to do so. Don’t delay, please join us today in our special mission to create opportunities for new FIRST® Tech Challenge teams in Texas.
To participate in this opportunity, please complete the form linked above and make sure your team has completed the 2021-2022 FIRST in Texas Team Grant Application linked below.
The FIRST in Texas
2021-2022 Season
Team Grant Application
The Grant Application is hosted in Submittable. You will be prompted to create a free Submittable account (or log in to an existing account) before submitting the application.
Application Information
Each of the grantors supporting the team grants managed by FIRST in Texas has their own targets and goals for their funding. By completing our application, your team will be considered for all grants for which your team is eligible.
All of the information collected in our application is relevant to the targets or goals of one or more of our grantors. Data collected in our application may be used for selecting grant awardees, grant reporting, newsletters, website content, and marketing materials associated with FIRST® Robotics. At no time will student identifiable information be made publicly available; only aggregated information is published.
Available Grants
Review our list of Available Grants to see for which grant(s) your team may qualify. Teams who submit an application will be considered for all grants for which they are eligible; only one application is needed. Additional grant opportunities will be posted throughout the season as they become available.
Frequently Asked Questions about Team Grants
Make sure to review our FAQ section before working on your grant application. Many details have changed from the previous season.
Grant Calendar
Check the Grant Calendar for information on timelines for application reviews, award notifications, and award disbursements.
Grant Documents
Click the file names to download grant documents:
- Blank W-9 (completed form required from all grant applicants)
- TWC Roster (completed form required from TWC grant recipients only – high school )
- Blank Sales Tax Exemption Form (completed form required from TWC FIRST Tech Challenge Rookie grant recipients only, if choosing vendor credit)
Team Engagement & Marketing Resources
Find sponsor logos, information about the End of Season Report (required from all grant recipients), and social media and marketing resources for your team.