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V2 TESTING 23Jun25 437PM 2025 - 2026 John Deere FIRST Grant Application
Submit to V2 TESTING 23Jun25 437PM 2025 - 2026 John Deere FIRST Grant Application

2025 - 2026 John Deere FIRST Grant Application

The John Deere grant application for teams in any of the FIRST programs including with class packs for the 2025 – 2026 FIRST season are now open.

Our commitment to FIRST aligns with the John Deere Foundation's public goal of serving at least one million youth by 2030. 

John Deere and FIRST are united in our dedication to STEM for All enabling teams to drive innovation, foster creativity, and enhance decision-making capabilities. We encourage teams to advocate for and embody these values within your own team cultures. 

Eligibility to apply:

1. Associated with a school (public or private) or 501(c)(3) non-profit in the U.S. or a registered charity outside the U.S. 

2. Team in a John Deere home community (listed in screening questions below) or have a confirmed John Deere employee mentor in any location that is committed to supporting the teams with 40 hours or more for the season.  

This grant application can provide upfront funding for FLL and FTC Teams in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico and FRC teams globally.  

Note: Outside the U.S and Canada, John Deere supports FIRST teams using separate grant processes for FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Tech Challenge teams with local FIRST Program Delivery Partners.     

3. Submitted post season survey If John Deere supported for 2024 – 2025 season.

4. Not paid your FIRST registration. You can register with FIRST but SHOULD NOT PAY for your registration as you will forfeit receiving a John Deere grant.

5. For FRC, have a confirmed John Deere mentor. If not, can apply and John Deere will try and line up a mentor but it’s best if have lined up prior to applying. Although not required for FLL & FTC, a preference will be given to teams that have a John Deere employee mentor else request a John Deere mentor with the grant request.

Important Note: Mentors and coaches must be current John Deere employees who are eligible for the John Deere employee giving program. This excludes retirees, dealers, and contingent staff.

Any team that has a John Deere employee confirmed mentor, should apply for a grant even if not eligible for upfront funding because:

  • Eligible for funding if they qualify for the FIRST World Championship in Houston
  • Eligible to receive John Deere Green & Yellow specially made safety glasses for FTC & FRC teams.
  • Recognized as John Deere team receiving branding information including logos and guidelines. 
  • Mentors will be recognized and be provided support information from John Deere
  • Help John Deere show our total support for FIRST around the world. 

Funding Levels for Approved Grants:

Funding levels will vary for new and returning teams based on team financial need. 

  • What’s covered: All or a portion of team registration, robot kits, and field setup kit costs.

   Teams qualifying for the FIRST World Championship may receive funding support.

  • Not covered: Local event registration, attending open events, travel, and team apparel.

Deadlines to Apply:

The deadlines to apply, assuming budget is still available, are as follows:

Note: Approval for FRC Grants will be on  or after October 1, 2025. If you request a John Deere mentor when applying and are expected to be approved for a grant, we will work to line up a mentor prior to October 1. 

If you feel you are eligible to apply for a grant, please complete the quick screening questions below to determine if your team is eligible for a 2025 – 2026 John Deere FIRST grant and if so, complete the formal grant application with one application per team (excludes class packs).

2026 - 2027 John Deere FIRST Grant Application
Submit to 2026 - 2027 John Deere FIRST Grant Application

2026 - 2027 John Deere FIRST Grant Application

John Deere FIRST Team Grants support teams participating in any FIRST program that are either:

  • Located in an eligible John Deere home community, or
  • Supported by a committed, in-person John Deere employee serving as a mentor or coach.   

Note: Additional funding support is available through John Deere's employee giving program, Power for Good. John Deere employees who serve as FIRST mentors or coaches can earn volunteer rewards and direct those funds to eligible FIRST teams.

Our commitment to FIRST aligns with the John Deere Foundation’s goal of serving at least one million youth by 2030. Together, John Deere and FIRST are committed to STEM for Everyone, empowering students to innovate, think creatively, solve problems, and develop leadership skills. We encourage all teams to reflect these values within their team culture.

This application provides upfront funding opportunities for:

  • FIRST LEGO League (FLL) teams (with Founders Edition) in the United States and Canada
  • FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) teams in the United States, Canada, and Mexico
  • FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) teams globally

Note: Outside the United States and Canada, support for FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Tech Challenge teams is administered through separate grant programs managed by local FIRST Program Delivery Partners.

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Eligibility Requirements

Please do not apply unless your team meets at least one of the following criteria:

  • Located in an eligible John Deere home community; or
  • Has a committed, in-person John Deere employee serving as a mentor or coach.

Important: Eligible mentors and coaches must be current John Deere employees who are eligible for the John Deere Employee Giving Program. Retirees, dealers, and contingent workers are not eligible.

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Why Apply?

All teams with a confirmed John Deere employee mentor or coach should apply, even if they do not need or qualify for upfront funding. Approved teams may receive:

  • Eligibility for support if they qualify for the FIRST World Championship in Houston.
  • Specially designed John Deere Green & Yellow safety glasses (FTC and FRC teams).
  • Recognition as an official John Deere-supported team, including access to branding guidelines and logos.
  • Mentor recognition and support from John Deere, including engagement with John Deere FIRST Program Leads.
  • Inclusion in John Deere’s global reporting and celebration of support for FIRST  programs worldwide.

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Funding Information

Funding amounts vary for both new and returning teams based on demonstrated financial need.

Eligible Expenses (full or partial)

  • Team registration fees 
  • Robot kits
  • Field setup kits

Teams that qualify for the FIRST World Championship may also be eligible for additional funding support.

Expenses Not Covered

  • Local event registration fees
  • Premier or Open event participation fees
  • Travel expenses
  • Team apparel

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Application Deadlines

Applications will be accepted while funding remains available.

Note: Review and approval of FRC grant applications will begin on or after October 5, 2026.

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Next Steps

If you believe your team may be eligible, please complete the screening questions below. Eligible teams will then be directed to complete the full 2026 – 2027 John Deere FIRST Grant Application. Please submit one application per team or Class Pack. 

John Deere FIRST