[Bob Steele]

Use your own judgement in this but I wouldn't make the assumption that someone or a company that simply gave you money is NOT a sponsor.

You should try to nurture these relationships and do demos for them and invite them to events and other activities BUT if a company gives you $5000
They are a SPONSOR in my mind...no matter what.

That $$ figure can be any amount lower that you wish. Our team has probably 200 "sponsors" of different levels... we interact with all of them by sending them a picture and letter at the end of the season and inviting them to our competitions and parties during the season.

We have several different sponsorship levels from <250 to >4000
The all get different "benefits" from sponsoring us... the big ones get their name on the robot... smaller ones on the banner and smaller still get names on the back of our practice shirt.

All of them (from $5.00 to $5000) get acknowledgment from us at the end of the season that describes what we did with a big thank you and a personal note from one of the team members.

This is how you sustain by the way...

IMHO ANY company that donates work to the team... welding, machining, powder coating, etc etc is a sponsor...

If you have to PAY for that work...ie get welding done by a welder and pay him for the work... THEN it may not be a sponsor...depending on the discount you are given

Our team ALWAYS interacts with any shop that helps us out... we provide detailed drawings and often we visit the company and take a tour.

Take advantage of all of these things... your team and your community will be stronger for it.

good luck!!!