FRC GRANT-DECISION DAY 2016

[Libby K]

Sorry for jumping in here so late, but I thought I might be able to lend a perspective from a sponsor here as well. This is my second year leading a grant program for teams, and those decisions are incredibly difficult.

Originally Posted by alextound

Hey NASA....is this so difficult. . . .

Originally Posted by David Brinza

Yes, it is.

There are only so many dollars available and many more teams applying than can be supported. There's a line to be drawn where teams win the grants.

Imagine deciding whose "in" among an enthusiastic rookie rural team with sponsors who will support them if they can deliver, a second-year team that "got it" in their first year and is reaching out to support a couple of rookie teams, or a solid veteran team who just lost a long-time sponsor and needs "bridge" funding for a year?

"NASA" is probably struggling with dozens of teams on that "bubble." I put NASA in quotes because the whole agency isn't engaged, instead, it's a few people who really care and want to make good decisions.

Show some empathy and patience...please!!

I have nothing to do with NASA, but I am in charge of the United Therapeutics FIRST grant program, and what David described is exactly the struggle we're going through right now as I prepare to release our grant decisions (this week, actually!).

We had over 165 applicants for our grants, and I can only give out 40. I have had great conversations with folks asking me for a timeframe or if there's anything they could do to help us. I'm well aware that teams need their budgets in mind for the coming year as they register, but sometimes there are factors beyond the grantor's control for getting those decisions out as well.

What I can tell you, is that if I saw a poster like Alex from a team that had applied for our program? That team might be crossed off the list (or moved towards the edge of the 'bubble' David described). Why would we want to support a team who's okay with being disrespectful towards a potential sponsor?

The decision will come when it comes, and hopefully teams who are rejected accept that decision with grace & professionalism. Crossing my fingers for all of you who applied. Please know these decisions are hard!