[Sam390250]

Our team receives no to minimal funding from our school district depending on the year and we do not use any of their facilities. We currently work out of the basement of a church with a band saw and drill press we acquired over the years from saving money (and actually received an old one the school shop class no longer wanted). For any extensive work (example this year we designed our shooter for sheet metal) we must outsource it to sponsors if possible. (It is for these reasons, I am continually amazed at what the team accomplishes - you might never known we made it in the basement of a church with basically hand tools)

I won't say that we are completely cut off from the school, but we certainly do not rely on them in any way for our team's sustainability.

We do several concessions for various events over the course of the year, brat sales, and above all donation solicitations to local community groups and businesses. We work very hard for the money we have.

Even though we have had 4 different homes in the last 7 years, we have made it work. I am sure you will too! I have found that FIRST members/mentors are like dandelions - very resilient and will grow roots almost anywhere.