[iVanDuzer]

I think you need to stop thinking of your team as a "failed" team. I've been lucky enough to meet and interact with teams from all across FiIRST, and the only thing that I've noticed that is the same for all FIRST teams is that they are all different. Every team has its own goals, objectives, structures, practices, and culture. What works for one team might not work for yours. Instead of trying to take your team and fit it into the "Typical FRC Team" mold, develop what makes your team special.

The issues surrounding fundraising is a bit more complex. Simply put, FRC is expensive, especially if you want to build cool machines that do more than just move. Fundraising is something that an entire team has to work on. You said that this year you're participating because of a couple grants. That is good! This means that you know that your program is eligible for these grants in the future (probably). So next year, instead of having other people apply for these grants for you, get the team together and fill out the application yourselves! It really only takes an hour or two (and only if you want to be REALLY REALLY thorough).

But at the end of the day, this is only good if the entire team wants to do it. One person can't run an FRC team; there's just too much going on. When dealing with your teammates, don't tell them what to do; ask them what they want to do. You're a leader, not a dictator. Leaders act based on the good of the collective; dictators impose their will on others, and that's not a healthy or useful leadership style.

Long story short: it's great that you want to leave a legacy for your fellow students. But it's not your decision whether or not they fall in love with FRC. If, after this season, your teammates are content being an FTC team, and you're still 110% enthused about FRC, then contact other FRC teams and see if you can join them. Heck, you're in Chicago, there are plenty of teams around the city. I'm sure one team would accept a bright, enthusiastic, driven student on the their team!