Give.org logo
Support Give.org
Support Give.org
CHARITY REVIEW
Issued: March 2026 Expires: March 2028

For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST)

Standards Not Met
Standards Not Met
3 17
(800) 871-8326
200 Bedford Street
Manchester, NH, 03101
https://firstinspires.org/
📄 Full Report 🖨️ Print 📋 BBB Charity Standards

Standards For Charity Accountability

Governance

  1. Board Oversight
  2. Board Size
  3. Board Meetings
  4. Board Compensation
  5. Conflict of Interest

Measuring Effectiveness

  1. Effectiveness Policy
  2. Effectiveness Report

Finances

  1. Program Expenses
  2. Fundraising Expenses
  3. Accumulating Funds
  4. Audit Report
  5. Detailed Expense Breakdown
  6. Accurate Expense Reporting
  7. Budget Plan

Fundraising & Info

  1. Truthful Materials
  2. Annual Report
  3. Website Disclosures
  4. Donor Privacy
  5. Cause Marketing Disclosures
  6. Complaints

For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) does not meet the following 2 Standards for Charity Accountability:

Standard 3 (Frequency and Attendance of Board Meetings)
An organization shall have a minimum of three evenly spaced meetings per year of the full governing body with a majority in attendance, with face-to-face participation. A conference call of the full board can substitute for one of the three meetings of the governing body. For all meetings, alternative modes of participation are acceptable for those with physical disabilities.

FIRST does not meet this Standard because:

  • The organization's board of directors held two meetings in the year ended June 30, 2025.

In response to this finding, the charity stated:

"FIRST hosted two full Board meetings in the year ended June 30, 2025, including at least one in-person meeting, as well as ad-hoc full Board and additional Committee (Steering, Development, etc.) meetings as needed throughout the year."

Standard 17 (Web Site Disclosures)
Include on any charity websites that solicit contributions, the same information that is recommended for annual reports, as well as the mailing address of the charity and electronic access to its most recent IRS Form 990.

FIRST does not meet this Standard because the organization’s website, https://firstinspires.org, does not include all of the recommended information for those charity websites that solicit for donations. Specifically, it does not include:

  • Electronic access to the organization’s 2024 IRS Form 990.

In response to this finding, the charity stated:

"FIRST 990 details can be found on other publicly available websites, like ProPublica."

The BBB Wise Giving Alliance requested but did not receive complete information from the organization and is unable to verify the organization's compliance with the following Standard(s) for Charity Accountability: 6, 7, 14

For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) meets the remaining 15 Standards for Charity Accountability.

Stated Purpose:
"to provide life-changing robotics programs that give young people the skills, confidence, and resilience to build a better world."

Year, State Incorporated:
1989, NH

For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) engages preK-12th grade (ages 4-18) students in mentor-based research and robotics programs that aim to help them become skilled leaders in science, engineering, and technology, as well as well-rounded contributors to society. The organization's programs include the FIRST LEGO League, FIRST Tech Challenge, and FIRST Robotics Competition. According to FIRST, their programs utilize strategies known to increase student interest in STEM, such as hands-on learning, working as a team on real-life problems, exposure to careers and adult mentors, and opportunities where students can showcase what they created and learned. FIRST participants also develop skills in teamwork, problem solving, and communication, preparing them for success in school and the workforce. Additionally, the organization reports that it develops initiatives and grants, like the STEM Community Innovation grant, to expand FIRST's STEM activities in schools and support all students' participation in STEM education.

For the year ended June 30, 2025, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST)'s program expenses were:

STEM programs $74,337,123
Facility support of other organizations $299,419
Total Program Expenses $74,636,542

Chief Executive
Christopher Moore, Chief Executive Officer

Compensation*
$540,092

Chair of the Board
Dr. Laurie Leshin

Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
University Professor of Space Futures, Arizona State University

Board Size
21

Paid Staff Size
213

*2024 compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.

Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Invitations to fund raising events, Grant proposals, Internet, Planned giving arrangements, Workplace Giving, Cryptocurrency

Fundraising costs were 7% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $43,206,107, are donations received as a result of fundraising activities.)

This organization is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.

The following information is based on For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST)'s audited financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2025.

Source of Funds
Program revenue $36,656,430
Contributions and grants $34,777,407
In-kind contributions $8,428,700
Other income $3,340,964
Interest income $2,833,812
Realized and unrealized gains $639,910
Total Income $86,677,223

Programs: 83% Fundraising: 3% Administrative: 14%

Total Income $86,677,223
Total expenses: $89,988,620
  Program expenses $74,636,542
  Fundraising expenses $2,858,176
  Administrative expenses $12,493,902
  Other expenses $0
Income in Excess of Expenses $-3,311,397
Beginning Net Assets $68,721,047
Other Changes In Net Assets $0
Ending Net Assets $65,409,650
Total Liabilities $7,612,331
Total Assets $73,021,981

Note: According to FIRST's audited financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2025, the organization received in-kind contributions totaling $8,428,700 in the form of kits and related supplies ($7,377,172), program supplies ($445,635), venue rentals ($283,856), program supply inventory ($280,037), property and equipment ($30,000), and legal services and travel vouchers ($12,000).

An organization may change its practices at any time without notice. A copy of this report has been shared with the organization prior to publication. It is not intended to recommend or deprecate, and is furnished solely to assist you in exercising your own judgment. If the report is about a charity and states the charity meets or does not meet the Standards for Charity Accountability, it reflects the results of an evaluation of information and materials provided voluntarily by the charity. The name Better Business Bureau is a registered service mark of the International Association of Better Business Bureaus.

This report is not to be used for fundraising or promotional purposes.

RELATED CONTENT

Report completed by:
BBB Wise Giving Alliance