I am sure you already know now that there’s a new trend in our education field: robotics. It is fun and challenging, but sometimes it can be quite costly too. Hence, there are still some students who have a passion for this field yet they are unable to channel that passion due to financial reasons. But since this is the embryo of the future, there are actually many ways for these students to find financial assistance such as robotics grants for schools. Today we are going to give you some opportunities for grants that you may want to consider.
Aaron and Rachel Meyer Memorial Foundation ARMM Grant
The Aaron and Rachel Meyer Memorial Foundation (ARMM) Grant offers support to nonprofit organizations, government entities, and indigenous communities. The upcoming application deadline is September 1, 2024, with a subsequent deadline on March 1, 2025. The grant amount varies and not specific.
Purpose of the Funding
You can use this funding for many purposes, such as education and outreach, research, specific projects or programs, general operating expenses, capital projects, and training or capacity building. The location of the projects is in specific counties in New Jersey (Bergen, Morris, Passaic) or New York (Bronx, Kings). Applicants must also reside in these counties.
The Aaron & Rachel Meyer Memorial Foundation, established in 1964, is a family-run private foundation. Their commitment is to enhance the quality of life for people and animals in the community by supporting local charitable organizations. The foundation, spearheaded by Janet and other family members, funds a variety of projects throughout New Jersey and New York.
These range from medical innovations like neonatal intensive care beds to vital local services provided by police and fire departments, as well as offering unrestricted funds to human service organizations. Through this dedicated support, the foundation has built strong relationships and gained a deep understanding of the challenges faced by nonprofit organizations in the tri-state area.
The foundation’s philanthropic efforts are concentrated in the areas of healthcare, research, education, and animal welfare. Its purpose is to support charitable organizations that enhance the quality of life for families and society, primarily in Northeast New Jersey.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility criteria for the grant include a preference for organizations based in Northeast New Jersey, New Jersey chapters of national organizations, and entities within the local tri-state area. Proposals from outside this primary geographic area are occasionally considered. Applicants must provide an official IRS letter confirming their tax determination status, an audited financial report, and a current year operating budget.
For more details about the grant and application process, please visit the funder’s website.
Intuitive Foundation FIRST Robotics Grant
The Intuitive Foundation is honored to sponsor high school robotics teams affiliated with FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). Since 2006, Intuitive Surgical has collaborated with FIRST, providing grants to high school robotics teams in the Bay Area and across the United States. In 2019, the sponsorship was transferred to the Intuitive Foundation.
Throughout its history, Intuitive has motivated numerous students to participate in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) activities. Employees of Intuitive Surgical have dedicated their time as mentors and coaches for teams involved in the FIRST Robotics Competition, blending the thrill of sports with the precision of science and technology. In 2019, the Intuitive Foundation expanded its sponsorship to teams worldwide.
Beyond sponsorship and mentoring, Intuitive Surgical hosts a popular summer event for local teams called RoboNanza in Sunnyvale, California, and a Fall Open House where students can enjoy system demos and learn about STEM careers.
During these uncertain and challenging times, the Intuitive Foundation remains committed to supporting FIRST’s mission. The mission is to inspire young people to become science and technology leaders and innovators. In the 2022-23 school year, the Intuitive Foundation awarded grants to 168 robotics teams, including teams from Mexico, Canada, Israel, and Turkey.
Intuitive Foundation FIRST Robotics Grant Schedule
- May (3rd week) 2024: Grant recipient final reports due. To be eligible for reapplication, grantees must submit complete final reports. Incomplete reports will result in disqualification.
- On June 3, 2024, the grant application portal will become accessible.
- August 31, 2024: Grant application portal closes.
- In the third week of October 2024, FIRST will receive notifications regarding grants, and recipient teams will subsequently be notified by FIRST.
- November (2nd week) 2024: Anticipated date for invoicing and payment to FIRST for grant distribution.
For questions regarding the Intuitive Foundation’s FIRST Robotics program and grant process, please email FIRST@intuitive-foundation.org.
As part of our sustainability initiative, we ask teams to email digital items (such as photos and letters). We should avoid sending physical items to help reduce our carbon footprint.
Eligibility Criteria and Application Guidelines
To be eligible for funding in the current season, any non-rookie team registered with FIRST can apply. Teams outside the U.S. should channel their funding requests through a registered charity. All team grants will be distributed through FIRST Finance. The foundation does not allocate funds directly to individual teams or outside of the FIRST Finance system.
Submissions will undergo review and evaluation based on the following criteria:
- The team must be registered with FIRST for the current year’s competition season.
- The team must have competed in at least one official FIRST competition.
- The team must complete the previous year’s final report if they were a grant recipient.
- The team exposes students to STEM programs and inspires them to pursue STEM who otherwise might not have had the opportunity.
- The team multiplies the impact of our investment by promoting interest in STEM outside of their organization.
- The team nurtures the growth and advancement of future scientists and engineers by cultivating well-developed and successful teams.
- The team must be able to receive payments through the FIRST organization.
RoboNanza and Open House
Teams receiving grants from the local FRC are invited to showcase their student-built robots at Intuitive Surgical’s Sunnyvale headquarters during an event named RoboNanza. Teams compete in a friendly scrimmage during lunch hour to showcase their robots for Intuitive Surgical employees and their families.
Robotics Grants Opportunities
Here are some robotic grants opportunities to get more:
Government Grants for Robotics
Since robotics technology is the future technology, it is only natural that the government supports the movement. According to grants.gov, the official government database site, there’s a program called the National Robotics Initiative. As the name suggests, the program aims to increase the use of cooperating robots in the United States. It’s a long-term grant for small and large robotics projects, with up to five years of funding.
Another opportunity for funding comes from the Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) with Focus on Robotics program. This program wants to increase awareness and interest, as well as inspire the students to become leaders in science and technology.
Universities
The government grants for robotics we mention above are typically given for communities or organizations which met the eligibility criteria. Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to find a specific individual robotics government grant.
However, you may have a better chance of finding one if you contact your university or your high school. High schools, universities, and other educational institutions often become the aim of the government program mentioned before. Go and ask your school’s financial aid office for more information.
Organizations and Foundations
Another good place to search for grants for your robotics activities would be from private organizations and foundations, as well as well-known corporations. For example, the AFCEA Education Foundation provides several $1,000 grants for selected K-12 teachers, the IEEE Foundation provides grant opportunities throughout the year, the Virginia and Connecticut –based Dominion’s Educational Grants for robotics program, and from Intel robotics grant for K-12 or higher education program.
There are many corporations that are willing to provide financial assistance for robotics projects, especially the corporations that are related to technology such as Intel, Motorola, Toshiba, Verizon, etc. However, there are also other companies that are not related to technology such as Lowe and Humana that have the same resolution in advancing robotics in the United States through their students.
Summary
There are still many other opportunities out there. You and your team should try every possibility available so that you can have the best resource for your robotics technology. You are also highly encouraged to attend various robotics competitions to widen your horizon and increase your experience! For example, you should try the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST – http://www.firstinspires.org/) competition. Or, you can compete in the VEX Robotics Design System (http://www.vexrobotics.com/). Advanced students should try their luck in the Botball Robotics challenge to create an autonomous robot!
Sounds wonderful? Then go ahead and write that robotics grants application now!
References:
- Intel Foundation – Advancing Education and Opportunity Worldwide – http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/corporate-responsibility/intel-foundation.html
- The IEEE Foundation – How to Apply For a Grant – http://www.ieeefoundation.org/Grants
- Image: thedailyrecord.com
- (https://www.intuitive-foundation.org/first-robotics/)
- (https://www.instrumentl.com/browse-grants/new-york/grants-for-robotics)
