Why does AZFirst need organizational funding?

AZFirst is the nonprofit organization responsible for delivering robotics competitions across Arizona. While teams do incredible work at the local level, they rely on a statewide infrastructure to compete. Organizational funding ensures that competitions exist, are accessible, and are delivered at a high standard year after year.

Without funding for AZFirst, teams—no matter how well sponsored—would not have venues, events, or systems in place to compete.

 

How is funding AZFirst different from sponsoring individual teams?

Sponsoring individual teams supports a specific group of students. Funding AZFirst supports every team in the state by sustaining:

• Competition venues and event operations

• Trained volunteers, judges, and referees

• Rookie grants and stipends for new and under-resourced teams

• Equitable access for rural and underserved communities

Organizational support multiplies impact by strengthening the ecosystem that all teams depend on.

 

Doesn’t Microchip already fund AZFirst?

Microchip Technology provides significant in-kind and operational support, including housing AZFirst, employing its two staff members, and providing leadership through board service. This generosity allows AZFirst to operate efficiently and responsibly.

However, Microchip does not—and cannot—fund the full cost of delivering statewide competitions, grants, and program growth. Philanthropic support is essential to sustain and expand opportunities for students across Arizona.

 

Why does AZFirst operate as a nonprofit?

AZFirst must exist as a nonprofit to:

• Serve students and schools equitably across Arizona

• Raise and distribute philanthropic funds, including grants and stipends

• Act as an official delivery partner for FIRST, VEX, and NURC

• Ensure transparency, accountability, and mission-driven decision-making

This structure allows AZFirst to focus solely on student impact rather than profit or corporate objectives.

 

How does AZFirst ensure responsible stewardship of funds?

AZFirst operates with strong governance, financial oversight, and corporate-supported efficiencies. With Microchip leadership on the Board of Directors and minimal administrative overhead, the majority of funds raised go directly toward program delivery, grants, and competition execution.

Funders can be confident their support is used strategically and responsibly.

 

What happens if AZFirst is not fully funded?

If AZFirst does not receive sufficient organizational funding:

• Fewer competitions can be offered

• Events may be geographically limited

• Rookie grants and stipends may be reduced

• Teams may lose access to meaningful competitive experiences

In short, teams may exist—but they will have fewer or no places to compete.

 

What is the long-term impact of funding AZFirst?

Funding AZFirst helps build a sustainable, statewide STEM ecosystem where:

• Students gain real-world technical and teamwork skills

• Schools can confidently invest in robotics programs

• Industry partners help develop Arizona’s future workforce

Organizational funding is an investment in scale, equity, and long-term impact.

 

How can funders maximize their impact?

The greatest impact comes from supporting AZFirst at the organizational level, ensuring that competitions, grants, and access remain available statewide. Many funders choose to pair organizational support with targeted team sponsorships, creating both immediate and systemic impact.