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CHARITY REVIEW
Issued: January 2024 Expires: January 2026

For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST)

Standards Not Met
Standards Not Met
3 6 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 3 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 board of directors held two meetings in the year ended June 30, 2023.

In response to this finding, the charity stated:

"We do only have two full Board meetings, but over the course of the year we have 12 additional committee meetings (Steering (four), Audit/Finance (four), Governance (two), Talent and Compensation (two)). The committees are comprised of Board members only."

Standard 6 (Board Policy on Effectiveness)
Have a board policy of assessing, no less than every two years, the organization's performance and effectiveness and of determining future actions required to achieve its mission.

FIRST does not meet this Standard because:

  • The board of directors does not have a written policy stating that, at least every two years, an appraisal be done assessing the organization’s performance and effectiveness and determining future actions required to achieve its mission.

In response to this finding, the charity stated:

"The Board does not have a written policy, however each year the full Board reviews FIRST's performance and effectiveness and determines future actions and resources/budget required to achieve our mission."

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 2021 IRS Form 990.

For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) meets the remaining 17 Standards for Charity Accountability.

Stated Purpose:
"to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership."

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 science and technology leaders, as well as well-rounded contributors to society. FIRST's programs use strategies known to increase student interest in STEM: hands-on learning, working as a team on real-life problems, exposure to careers and adult mentors, emphasis on FIRST Core Values, and a culminating celebration 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, no matter what path they take.

For the year ended June 30, 2023, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST)'s program expenses were:

Facility support of other organizations: $321,525

Program services: $69,096,448

Total Program Expenses: $69,417,973

Chief Executive
Christopher Moore, Chief Executive Officer

Compensation*
$350,000

Chair of the Board
Robert K. Ortberg

Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
Retired

Board Size
22

Paid Staff Size
200

*2023 compensation, as reported by the charity, includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.

Method(s) Used:
Grant proposals, Internet, Direct mail appeals, Radio

Fundraising costs were 4% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $54,135,981, 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, 2023.

Source of Funds
Employee retention tax credit $3,796,478
In-kind contributions $6,334,723
Program revenue $31,432,688
Contributions and grants $44,004,780
Other income $2,580,660
Total Income $88,149,329

Programs: 86% Fundraising: 3% Administrative: 11%

Total Income $88,149,329
Total expenses: $81,043,563
  Program expenses $69,417,973
  Fundraising expenses $2,398,960
  Administrative expenses $9,226,630
  Other expenses $0
Income in Excess of Expenses $7,105,766
Beginning Net Assets $58,900,573
Other Changes In Net Assets $0
Ending Net Assets $66,006,339
Total Liabilities $8,273,348
Total Assets $74,279,687

Note: According to FIRST's audited financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2023, the organization received in-kind contributions totaling $6,334,723 in the form of kits and related supplies ($5,588,478), program supplies ($373,599), venue rentals ($290,146), and legal services ($82,500).

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.

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Report completed by:
BBB Wise Giving Alliance