In order to ensure the team's business is successful, welcoming, and has a giving environment in which to learn, both at competitions and as a cooperative, the Fighting Pi donates time, money, and energy to charitable causes in hopes of strengthening bonds among team members, parents, volunteers, mentors, and sponsors. The team provides a unique experience to high school students. They give students a head start in learning new skills and training in science, engineering and technology fields. They prepare students for future careers not only in engineering, but in any occupation.

The team interacts a great deal with the community. Team 1718 spreads the message of FIRST by presenting to local schools of all grade levels, as well as providing demonstrations at events such as the Selfridge Air Show, Armada Fair, Maker Faire at The Henry Ford, and the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. In 2011 alone, the team demonstrated at events with a total attendance of 250,000 people.