[tim-tim]

As bad, or as wrong, as it may seem, a lot of times these letters are easily tossed or get lost in the pile of similar letters/requests.

It is easy to throw a piece of paper away. It is also easy to hit the delete button for an email. I would recommend calling companies and speaking with someone that matters (e.g. someone who is authorized to approve donations). You could also take a few hours and travel to the companies. This will allow you and your team to better showcase your enthusiasm and passion that may get lost in text. It is also more difficult to hang up or ask someone to leave in the middle of a conversation. At least with these methods they will likely hear you out on your entire program.

I'm not saying this will work in all cases, but it has surely helped us. Be sure to take the robot around with you as you visit the companies. Have videos and other documents ready to explain how the robot works, how engaged the students are, success rate of the involved students, etc. While companies often look for ways to get tax benefits by donating, a lot of them look for other things as well. Ask yourself "what can I do for them?" Every potential sponsor (partner) should be approached in a unique manner. Whether it is offering to help at company outings (picnics, etc.) to working out an internship program for top rising seniors on the team.

You need to be creative in the process. Companies are asked for money on a daily basis. What makes you any different than the rest?

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any questions. -Tim