Does John Deere donate to fundraisers?

John Deere's Empowering Communities page lists its community work, including food bank partnerships, FIRST robotics support, a high school apprenticeship program and the John Deere Inspire youth partnership.

John Deere FIRST Team Grants support teams in any FIRST program that are located in an eligible John Deere home community or are supported by a committed, in-person John Deere employee mentor or coach.

The 2026–2027 application funds FIRST LEGO League teams in the United States and Canada, FIRST Tech Challenge teams in the United States, Canada and Mexico, and FIRST Robotics Competition teams globally.

Funding amounts vary for new and returning teams based on demonstrated financial need, and can cover team registration fees, robot kits and field setup kits in full or in part.

The grants do not cover local event registration fees, Premier or Open event participation fees, travel expenses or team apparel.

Tips from the program page: John Deere says teams with a confirmed John Deere employee mentor or coach should apply even if they do not need or qualify for upfront funding.

What John Deere donates

John Deere has typically donated: John Deere Foundation Grants or other charitable support.

Who can apply

John Deere donates to organizations with 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. John Deere does not donate to individuals. John Deere does not support events run for profit.

John Deere limits donation requests by area: Local.

How to apply

John Deere asks every request to include the following.

• Only apply if the team is in an eligible John Deere home community or has a committed, in-person John Deere employee as mentor or coach.
• Mentors and coaches must be current John Deere employees eligible for the John Deere Employee Giving Program; retirees, dealers and contingent workers do not qualify.
• Apply through John Deere's Submittable portal: answer the screening questions, and eligible teams are directed to the full application. Submit one application per team or Class Pack.
• Applications are accepted while funding remains available, and each FIRST program has its own deadline listed on the application.

Common questions

Do I need to be a 501(c)(3) to request a donation from John Deere?

Yes. John Deere's donation program is limited to organizations with 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, so you will need your determination letter and Tax ID before you apply.