As a member of team 379 the Robocats, I know what its like to not have a major sponsor. In 2003, the Robocats lost GM as a corporate sponsor and since then, we have built up a huge "fundraising machine." We alone raise about $30,000 and then get grant money and donations from just about everywhere. Martha Holden Jennings Foundation helped us out in a great way until we were able to get back on our feet, and they still help us now. Don't get me wrong, we are still looking for a sponsor, but we are able to live without one. It IS possible to live without a corporate sponsor, and still do great things. All the fundraising brings the team closer together, and spreads the word of FIRST in the process!
If anyone needs help with fundrasing, visit our website at
www.girardrobotics.com and find the media section where there is a hand-out explaining a well tested fundraising monster!