Most of the teams and sponsors I have to deal with do not have this problem. However once in a while things get wierd and this looks like one of those cases.
To cover that situation I have a letter that can be adopted by sponsors to help teams get everything that is coming to them. Down below, under the 'cut-line' is a sample letter. You and your sponsor will need to modify it to suit your needs. It should be done on the sponsors letterhead.
If the money is given directly to the school then the paragraph one and two need to be re-written since the money will not go through FIRST.
If the purpose of the donation is clearly stated, then the school has an ethical obligation to follow through on the request. To do otherwise would be considered a breach of trust, putting it as politely as I possibly can.
If your team budget is only $ 12,000 but the sponsor gave $ 50,000 under the following condition, the school still has NO ethical right to take the excess money from the team for its own purposes. The school cannot skim the money if it is buck or million bucks. It is still the team's money. If the team folds the school should offer to return the funds to the sponsors.
The team has an ethical obligation to pursue the mission for which the sponsor donated the money, in a responsible manner. If you have a lot of excess money, expand your mission. You are probably not in this position.
I'm assuming your team collected more in sponsor money that the school is allowing you to spend. If so, then the school is obligated to follow the verbal or written agreement with the sponsor.
------------------ cut line ------------------------------------------------
( COMPANY LETTERHEAD )
( Your School )
( School address )
( School city/state )
( ACME Company ) is pleased to support the ( your team name @ high school ) with continued financial and mentorship support. In support of the team ACME is paying FIRST, a 501c3 non-profit corporation a sum of $ 6,000.
After FIRST applies payments to your teams account, any residual funds at FIRST can be transferred to your school. In order to transfer these residual excess funds to your school you must follow the re-grant procedures at
http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprogr...t.aspx?id=3190 You can contact FIRST at
frcteams@usfirst.org to inquire as to the availability and amount of residual funds.
The intent of this contribution is to allow you self determine the best course of action within the confines of the spirit and goals of the FIRST Robotics Competition. Specific restrictions are as follows.
- Funds can be used to purchase tools, parts, construction materials, marketing materials, food items, travel expenses, and any other expenses related to operating a FIRST FRC, FTC, or FLL program.
- Decision regarding the use of funds are at the discretion of the team teacher sponsor in consultation with team mentors and the team student leadership.
- Funds cannot be used for salary or stipends.
- Funds do not have to be completely spent during the granted academic year but can roll over into the next academic year to provide bridge operating funds.
- There are no formal reporting requirements after you have completed your design, build, and competition.
Good Luck Teams !!
Sincerely
( Wiley Coyote )
------------------ cut line ------------------------------------------------
( COMPANY LETTERHEAD )
( Your School )
( School address )
( School city/state )
( ACME Company ) is pleased to support the ( your team name @ high school ) with continued financial and mentorship support. In support of the team ACME is paying YOUR HIGH SCHOOL a sum of $ 1,000,000.
The intent of this contribution is to allow you self determine the best course of action within the confines of the spirit and goals of the FIRST Robotics Competition. Specific restrictions are as follows.
- Funds can be used to purchase tools, parts, construction materials, marketing materials, food items, travel expenses, and any other expenses related to operating a FIRST FRC, FTC, or FLL program.
- Decision regarding the use of funds are at the discretion of the team teacher sponsor in consultation with team mentors and the team student leadership.
- Funds cannot be used for salary or stipends.
- Funds do not have to be completely spent during the granted academic year but can roll over into the next academic year to provide bridge operating funds.
- There are no formal reporting requirements after you have completed your design, build, and competition.
Good Luck Teams !!
Sincerely
( Wiley Coyote )