FIRST Indiana Robotics (FIN) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $373,900 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to support capacity-building efforts for the organization. This transformative funding will enhance FIN’s ability to deliver high-quality STEM experiences to students across Indiana by investing in infrastructure, marketing, and long-term organizational sustainability.

The two-year grant will support key areas of growth for FIN, including:

  • Event Infrastructure: Investment in new equipment to streamline operations and allow for expanded event hosting all across the state.
  • Marketing & Outreach: Upgrades to digital presence, creation of impact-driven marketing resources, and new livestreaming capabilities will help grow awareness of robotics programs and reach new students and supporters.
  • Sustainability & Growth: Consulting services, administrative support, and expanded volunteer coordination will strengthen FIN’s internal capacity and ensure it is equipped to support its rapidly growing community.

“This support from Lilly Endowment is a game-changer for our organization,” said Ashley Robbins, Executive Director of FIRST Indiana Robotics. “It enables us to scale up our impact and bring high-quality, hands-on STEM learning to more youth—especially in areas that have historically had limited access to these opportunities.”

FIRST Indiana Robotics supports over 350 youth robotics teams across Indiana, representing more than 3,200 students. With programs ranging from LEGO-based STEM discovery for young children to advanced robotics competitions for high school students, FIN is helping to build the next generation of engineers, innovators, and leaders.

This grant comes at a time of strong momentum for the organization. An Indiana team recently won the FIRST World Championship, the number of participating schools and community organizations continues to grow, and the Indiana General Assembly recently renewed $3.5 million in statewide K-12 robotics grants—further cementing robotics as a cornerstone of STEM education in Indiana.