Toyota Startup Grants (through KY FIRST Robotics, Inc.)

Toyota Startup Grants (through KY FIRST Robotics, Inc.) is sponsored by Toyota. Toyota, in partnership with KY FIRST Robotics, offers startup grants to help launch new FIRST robotics teams.

Let’s make an impact – together. We work collaboratively to address some of society’s most pressing challenges – and fund programs tied to our strategic priorities. Toyota seeks to expand access to opportunities that improve people’s lives and create a culture of inclusion—strengthening the communities where we live, work and play.

To have meaningful, sustainable impact, we take a holistic approach to investing in our communities. Our efforts go beyond monetary support, amplifying our impact by engaging our team members as volunteers and sharing our Toyota know-how. Nationally, Toyota focuses on: Regionally, Toyota makes contributions to help support the specific needs of local communities.

Please note that Toyota entities based in Plano, Texas (Toyota Motor North America, Toyota Financial Services and Toyota USA Foundation) as well as Production Engineering and Manufacturing Center (PEMC) have moved to an invite-only grant application process. Qualified Section 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization State or municipal organizations Toyota supports programs that have long-term, sustainable impact.

As an inclusive mobility organization, we work with organizations that share our commitment to serving under-resourced communities. Please see our Frequently Asked Questions for additional information on eligibility. Determine your organization’s eligibility by: Reviewing the criteria above.

Confirming your location is within our geographic scope . Reviewing the FAQs below. Prepare and submit your proposal via our online platform.

Still have questions? Email Us . Frequently Asked Questions How do I know if my organization is eligible for a grant?

Toyota's national corporate giving program supports charitable non-profit organizations qualified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code. We also support state or municipal organizations and public schools. Please note that Toyota Motor North America, Toyota Financial Services and Toyota USA Foundation have moved to an invite-only grant application process.

The Toyota USA Foundation is a separate corporate foundation with more restrictive guidelines.

Toyota and the Toyota USA Foundation do not make grants to the following types of organizations: Those not recognized as charitable organizations by the Internal Revenue Service Those that do not comply with Toyota’s Non-Discrimination Policy Those that serve only their own memberships, such as fraternal organizations, labor organizations or religious groups Athletic/sports teams and political parties or candidates Publications, lobbying activities, advertising, capital campaigns or endowments For additional guidelines for supported programs and events, please see above in the “Apply by Facility or Program” for links to individual guideline pages for our North American Manufacturing Plants.

Does Toyota award grant to organizations based outside the United States? No, Toyota does not award grants to organizations outside the United States. What is not funded by Toyota?

Toyota does not make grants to the following types of organizations: Those not recognized as Section 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations by the Internal Revenue Service Those that do not comply with Toyota’s Non-Discrimination Policy Those that serve only their own memberships, such as fraternal organizations, labor organizations or religious groups Athletic/sports teams and political parties or candidates Publications, lobbying activities, advertising, capital campaigns or endowments Please note: organizations are limited to one grant within a twelve-month period.

Additionally, individuals are ineligible to apply. I am raising money for a cause. Am I eligible for a grant?

Toyota makes grants to organizations directly rather than through individual fundraising activities; therefore, we are unable to fund your effort. Can I get a vehicle donated to my organization? Toyota reserves charitable vehicle donations primarily for our corporate partners and strategic partnerships.

Vehicle donations are very limited, so requests for individual vehicle donations are not permitted. Step by step, how can my organization apply for a grant? Please refer to the steps above in the “Apply for a Grant” section.

What are the terms and conditions that I see included in the application? These are terms and conditions that an authorized representative of your organization need to agree to as a condition to applying and accepting any funding, if awarded. If your organization does not agree with these terms and conditions, please do not proceed with the application.

Is there a limit on space for the program overview description? Yes, there are limits on certain open text fields. There is a character counter so you can see the amount of space you have left.

What information is required when applying for a grant? Mandatory information on our application form is annotated with a red asterisk (*). Once I start my organization’s online grant application, how long do I have to complete it and submit it?

There is no deadline for completing your application in the system. Please note, that some affiliates have reviewing cycles that would have a specific date to be submitted. We recommend that all applications be submitted within 30 days of starting them.

How do I determine which Toyota affiliate should receive my organization’s application? We determine which affiliate will receive your application based on the information you provide on the application. If a Toyota employee has suggested that you apply for a grant, make sure to enter that person’s name, title, and office location.

Please note: Toyota’s North American Manufacturing plants will only accept applications submitted in their respective states, unless noted on their guideline page. Toyota North America Headquarters and Toyota USA Foundation grants are solicited by invitation-only and will have a special invitation code that will route directly to the appropriate teams. What are the dates and deadlines for grant applications?

You can refer to deadlines for each of our facilities in the How to Apply section. Please note: Each facility has their own deadlines. A facility that does not mention a deadline works on a rolling review schedule.

We do budget funding on an annual basis ending on March 31st of each year, so if your proposal is time-sensitive, we urge you to apply at least 3 months in advance to allow our staff adequate time to fully consider your application. How do I create a user account? To create a user account, go to the “Apply for a Grant Page” and click the link to “Submit a Grant Application.

” Our system will prompt you to enroll with an email address. How does my organization apply for a grant if it is an existing grantee from the prior year? If applying to an affiliate that is open to non-solicited applications, you can bookmark the page.

If applying to an invite-only, you will need to be invited again, and given a special invitation code. Is my organization’s application automatically saved? Your application is saved whenever you navigate to a new section (tab) on the form by clicking ‘Save and Proceed’.

If you log out prior to saving, the information you entered on the current grant page will be lost. How do I access an incomplete application that I saved but have not yet submitted? How do I change existing account information?

May I send the application directly to a Toyota representative or another contact at Toyota? No, Toyota only accepts and reviews applications online. Can I mail a copy of my grant request for review?

Please do not mail any grant requests. Only online applications will be considered. I have materials I want to submit along with my organization’s request for funding.

How do I send them? There are areas throughout the application where Toyota asks for additional attachments/materials. Please attach only the documents requested.

I do not know my organization’s Federal Tax ID. How can I find it? Your organization’s Federal Tax ID, also known as your Employer Identification Number (EIN), is a 9-digit number that contains only numbers.

Your business office should know the Tax ID. If you have any questions regarding Federal Tax IDs, click on ‘Apply’, which will take you to our vendors page to create your account. If you need support, you can click on the ‘Need Support?

’ button. My organization has applied for a grant, now what? Will my organization receive acknowledgment that Toyota received my online application?

Yes, you will receive an email confirmation when you submit the application. Should I call to discuss my organization's project concept before submitting the application? The program guidelines page provides the information you need to determine if our funding priorities and requirements match your needs.

Due to the volume of grant requests, we are unable to respond personally to telephone, fax, mail and email queries. Can I get a copy of the online application form? When will I be contacted about the status of my organization’s application?

After you submit your application, you will receive an email confirmation. After an initial review, you may be contacted to provide additional information. Communication will occur via email or letter.

After Toyota reviews your application, you will receive notification indicating whether your organization’s grant request has been approved or declined. This can take up to 6 months. How should I notify Toyota if my organization’s email or mailing address changes after I submit my online application?

I mailed a letter to Toyota. Why didn’t I receive a response? Due to the volume of requests for donations and sponsorships we receive, we are unable to respond personally to telephone, fax, mail and email inquiries regarding the status of requests.