[FTC]: Fundraising???
 

Hi all,

I'm currently the captain of a second-year team that is hoping to use this off-season to fundraise for the upcoming year for our team. Last year as a rookie team, our budget was only about $1,000, most of that coming from parent donations. This year, we want to attend more competitions, build a more competitive robot, and help more people, so we have increased our expected budget to $3,000. We were just wondering what have been the most successful fundraising options for your team? We have started thinking about crowdfunding campaigns, sponsorship and grant requests, etc, but would appreciate some advice as far as which companis/websites/methods are best. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
JIT

Re: [FTC]: Fundraising???
 

If you do crowdsourcing, look at piggybackr.com as the medium. It has the appropriate controls in place which allow minors to individually promote the campaign and receive credit for donations, while maintaining sufficient privacy standards. Also, have a specific goal/purpose in mind for each campaign, e.g. "to purchase a backup/spare control system" or "to fund travel to the xxx regional"; many people are more likely to give just as much several times per year when presented with specific fundraising goals as when all of them are just to "benefit the team".

As an FRC team, we have also had good success ($300 to $700 per weekend) doing demos or just setting up a table in front of local retail outlets. The venue doesn't so much matter as long as you get a lot of traffic: our two best were at a Boot Barn western wear shop and a Winn Dixie grocery store. Put the kids forward and be ready to chat with anyone who's interested (but not forceful). Bringing a robot is a nice touch but not essential if you bring a photo album or electronic photo frame with a slide show. Show the kids more than the robot(s)! Not only do these touches help contributions, it can also help you pick up a new team member or mentor.

Re: [FTC]: Fundraising???
 

For us, sending solicitation letters (not emails!) to local tech-related companies worked best.

Re: [FTC]: Fundraising???
 

Drop your letters in person if you can with one or two teammates. And don't forget the thank you letters after the season! Just last week one of our sponsors commented how few they get, though they sponsor heaps of various endeavors.

Re: [FTC]: Fundraising???
 

Have you checked out the newly released FTC Fundraising Guide?

If you do personal visits, take the robot with you! (Nice advantage of FTC). People are always amazed and you just might be the talk of the lunchroom!

Also be sure to have a Team Brochure or Team Information Sheet to leave behind.