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Just to expand on the point about fundraising -- it's not just about the money. There are tons of companies everywhere willing to donate some labor or raw materials time to their local high schools and this can be just as valuable as a cash donation. It never hurts to ask for help, and companies are more willing to help if the request is very specific. For example:

- For raw materials, ask companies if you are allowed to sift through their scrap piles. Most will be more than happy to offload their scrap, which is out of their spec but just fine for FRC.

- Every time you visit a store, ask for a nonprofit/student discount. Doesn't always work but it can save whatever money you do raise

- Bring parts and CAD drawings in hand when asking for water jet/CNC/powder coating support. Sometimes companies will just throw the part on the machine during their lunch break if they see students taking the initiative to ask

- Go to your local Makerspace if you have one and offer to run classes or provide other support in exchange for some machine time.

Everything above has worked out very well for us this year, and has allowed us to get through build season successfully despite pretty low cash donation and very little workshop space.