Opportunity Information: Apply for MDA STEM BEST ROBOTICS GRANT 2025 2026
The MDA STEM BEST Robotics Grant is a discretionary grant opportunity from the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) designed to support STEM education through hands-on robotics competition. It sits within MDA's broader STEM Outreach Program, which aims to build stronger STEM awareness, skills, and interest among K-12 and college students. The larger workforce goal behind the program is to increase the number of U.S. scientists and engineers who will be prepared to tackle future missile defense-related technical challenges across government, industry, and academia. By investing earlier in the education pipeline, MDA is trying to expand and strengthen the pool of STEM-capable talent over time.
This specific grant focuses on the BEST (Boosting Engineering, Science, and Technology) Robotics competition ecosystem. The funding is intended for official BEST Local Competition Hubs, helping them pay for upgrades to robotics kits so they align with BEST Inc. guidance for either the 2025 or 2026 competition season. In practical terms, the grant is meant to keep local hubs equipped with current, competition-ready hardware and materials that enable students to participate effectively and safely, and to keep the local competition experience consistent with the standards of the national BEST program.
The opportunity is listed under Funding Opportunity Number "MDA STEM BEST ROBOTICS GRANT 2025 2026" and is categorized as a grant (Funding Instrument Type: Grant) within the Science and Technology and other Research and Development activity area. The CFDA/Assistance Listing number associated with the program is 12.330. While the eligibility category is shown as "Others," the description makes clear that the intended applicants are official Local Competition Hubs recognized within the BEST Robotics framework; the full grant text should be used to confirm the exact eligibility requirements and any required documentation to prove hub status.
Key timing and award details are straightforward. The original application closing date is August 20, 2025. The maximum award amount (award ceiling) is $30,000, and MDA expects to make about three awards under this opportunity. The posting was created on July 16, 2025. Taken together, this is a relatively focused, small-number award program aimed at targeted capacity improvements, rather than broad research funding or a large-scale educational initiative.
At a high level, applicants should view this as a kit-upgrade support grant tied directly to competition readiness for BEST Robotics seasons 2025 and 2026. Any proposal would likely need to connect the requested upgrades to BEST Inc. guidance, explain how the upgrades will be used by the hub to serve student teams, and show how the investment supports STEM learning outcomes and participation. For the definitive list of eligible costs, required forms, reporting expectations, and selection criteria, the full opportunity text is the controlling source.Apply for MDA STEM BEST ROBOTICS GRANT 2025 2026
- The Missile Defense Agency in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "MDA STEM BEST Robotics Grant" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 12.330.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2025-07-16.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-08-20. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $30,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 3 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
FAQs: MDA STEM BEST Robotics Grant (2025-2026)
What is the MDA STEM BEST Robotics Grant?
The MDA STEM BEST Robotics Grant is a discretionary grant opportunity from the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) intended to support STEM education through hands-on robotics competition. It is part of MDA's broader STEM Outreach Program, which focuses on building STEM awareness, skills, and interest among K-12 and college students.
What is the main purpose of this grant?
This grant is designed to help official BEST (Boosting Engineering, Science, and Technology) Local Competition Hubs pay for upgrades to robotics kits so they align with BEST Inc. guidance for the 2025 or 2026 competition season. The goal is to keep hubs equipped with current, competition-ready hardware and materials that support effective and safe participation.
How does this grant connect to MDA's larger STEM goals?
Within MDA's STEM Outreach Program, the workforce-oriented goal is to increase the number of U.S. scientists and engineers prepared to address future missile defense-related technical challenges across government, industry, and academia. By supporting STEM learning earlier in the education pipeline, MDA aims to expand and strengthen the long-term pool of STEM-capable talent.
Who is this grant intended for?
Although the eligibility category is listed as "Others," the description indicates the intended applicants are official BEST Local Competition Hubs recognized within the BEST Robotics framework. Applicants should rely on the full grant text to confirm exact eligibility requirements and any documentation needed to prove hub status.
Is this grant for schools, teams, or individual students?
Based on the description provided, the funding is intended for official BEST Local Competition Hubs (the organizations that run local competitions), rather than individual student teams or individual students. The hub would use upgraded kits and materials to support participating teams.
What competition seasons does the grant cover?
The grant is tied to kit upgrades aligned with BEST Inc. guidance for either the 2025 competition season or the 2026 competition season.
What types of activities or purchases is the funding meant to support?
The grant is described as kit-upgrade support funding for BEST Local Competition Hubs. The intent is to fund upgrades to robotics kits and related materials so the hub remains aligned with BEST Inc. guidance and can offer a consistent, competition-ready local experience.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this grant?
The opportunity is listed under Funding Opportunity Number "MDA STEM BEST ROBOTICS GRANT 2025 2026."
What is the assistance listing (CFDA) number for this program?
The CFDA/Assistance Listing number associated with this program is 12.330.
What is the funding instrument type?
The funding instrument type is a Grant.
What is the activity area or category of this opportunity?
The opportunity is categorized within the Science and Technology and other Research and Development activity area.
When is the application due?
The original application closing date is August 20, 2025.
When was this opportunity posted or created?
The posting was created on July 16, 2025.
What is the maximum award amount?
The maximum award amount (award ceiling) is $30,000.
How many awards does MDA expect to make?
MDA expects to make about three awards under this opportunity.
Is this a large, broad STEM program or a targeted grant?
This appears to be a relatively focused grant with a small number of awards, aimed at targeted capacity improvements (kit upgrades for BEST Local Competition Hubs), rather than broad research funding or a large-scale educational initiative.
What should a strong proposal emphasize, based on the description?
Based on the information provided, proposals would likely need to (1) connect the requested kit upgrades to BEST Inc. guidance for the 2025 or 2026 season, (2) explain how the upgraded kits will be used by the hub to serve student teams, and (3) describe how the upgrades support STEM learning outcomes and participation.
Does the description list eligible costs, required forms, reporting, or selection criteria?
No. The description notes that the definitive list of eligible costs, required forms, reporting expectations, and selection criteria is contained in the full opportunity text, which is the controlling source.
How should applicants confirm eligibility and documentation requirements?
Applicants should use the full grant text to confirm the exact eligibility requirements and any required documentation, including how to demonstrate official BEST Local Competition Hub status.
What is the practical outcome MDA is trying to achieve through these kit upgrades?
The practical intent is to keep local BEST hubs equipped with current, competition-ready hardware and materials so students can participate effectively and safely, and so local competitions remain consistent with national BEST program standards.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Next opportunity: NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience: Coordination Center for Interoception Research (BPCCIR) (U24, Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Previous opportunity: FY25 Bureau of Land Management Threatened and Endangered Species- Bureau wide
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for MDA STEM BEST ROBOTICS GRANT 2025 2026
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (MDA STEM BEST ROBOTICS GRANT 2025 2026) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Cultural and Natural Resources Technical Reporting at Pacific Installations Bellows Air Force Station and Ka’ena Point Space Force Station Oahu, HI Apply for W9126G 25 2 SOI 6564 Funding Number: W9126G 25 2 SOI 6564 Agency: Department of Defense Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $3,600,000 |
| Research to Spread and Scale the Impact of Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Programs and Interventions Apply for HHS 2025 ACL CIP AAFP 0051 Funding Number: HHS 2025 ACL CIP AAFP 0051 Agency: Administration for Community Living Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $4,650,000 |
| TECHGATE Apply for DFOP0017381 Funding Number: DFOP0017381 Agency: Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $25,000,000 |
| Smart Health and Biomedical Research in the Era of Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Data Science Apply for 25 542 Funding Number: 25 542 Agency: U.S. National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,200,000 |
| Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE): Future Computing Research Apply for 25 543 Funding Number: 25 543 Agency: U.S. National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $12,000,000 |
| Advance Tech Innovation Collaboration Through C-SIPA Apply for DOS MANAMA PD 2025 003 Funding Number: DOS MANAMA PD 2025 003 Agency: U.S. Mission to Bahrain Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $60,000 |
| Dry Season Prey Concentrations Apply for W9126G 25 2 SOI 25045 Funding Number: W9126G 25 2 SOI 25045 Agency: Fort Worth District Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,243,095 |
| Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the Desert Southwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Apply for G25AS00333 Funding Number: G25AS00333 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Landscape Pattern – Ridge and Slough in the Florida Everglades Apply for W9126G 25 2 SOI 6573 Funding Number: W9126G 25 2 SOI 6573 Agency: Fort Worth District Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $691,988 |
| National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program Grant Cycle 2025 Apply for NOAA NWS NWSPO 2025 30488 Funding Number: NOAA NWS NWSPO 2025 30488 Agency: DOC NOAA - ERA Production Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $4,000,000 |
| Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the North Atlantic Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Apply for G25AS00341 Funding Number: G25AS00341 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $221,929 |
| Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the Great Basin Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Apply for G25AS00342 Funding Number: G25AS00342 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $49,600 |
| Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the Great Rivers Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Apply for G25AS00340 Funding Number: G25AS00340 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Pacific International Training Desk Apply for NOAA NWS IA 31298 Funding Number: NOAA NWS IA 31298 Agency: DOC NOAA - ERA Production Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the Rocky Mountain Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Apply for G25AS00343 Funding Number: G25AS00343 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $49,585 |
| Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Apply for G25AS00347 Funding Number: G25AS00347 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $380,000 |
| Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the Great Lakes-Northern Forest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Apply for G25AS00346 Funding Number: G25AS00346 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $493,039 |
| Cooperative Agreement for Affiliated Partner with the Great Rivers Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Apply for G25AS00345 Funding Number: G25AS00345 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $48,500 |
| Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the Southern Appalachian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Apply for G25AS00344 Funding Number: G25AS00344 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $495,000 |
| Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the Great Basin Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Apply for G25AS00348 Funding Number: G25AS00348 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $489,600 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "MDA STEM BEST ROBOTICS GRANT 2025 2026", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.