[funstuff]

4096 is a 4-H team in East Central Illinois. It was started through a not-for-profit organization (501 C3) called Illini Robotics. This organization was initiated by some veteran coaches of FLL teams in the area. Setting up the not-for-profit organization allowed these coaches to establish an FTC team and an FRC team in the area. It took some work to setup, but it is now easily run by 2-3 of the mentors for FLL, FTC, and/or FRC area teams, along with a number of advisers.

Illini Robotics provides a number of FIRST teams in the area with the non-profit status, a means to provide funding for those teams (for companies/individuals who only donate to non-profits), technical support for all area teams, and an FLL tournament. 4-H provides a lot of great support to the FRC team, particularly insurance and inclusion in a nationally-recognized program.

Getting 4-H to give your specific club not-for-profit status might be the easiest route to take currently, but also pursue starting a 501 C3, as it opens up a number of options, particularly for if you are considering starting multiple FIRST teams.