[JoelP]

1155 is in a similar situation, we qualified for nat's with the Engineering Inspiration award but had almost no money left in our budget after our Regional.

To raise money we've been asking friends and family for donations, organizing bake sales at school, selling team t-shirts, selling candy, appealing to the school, the Parents Association and the Alumni Association. We've also sent out presentation packets to over 30 companies and businesses containing information about our team, our accomplishments, what we do for the school and for the community, as well as our budget for the championships so the companies have an idea of how much money we need to raise.

Pretty much what we've done is appeal to as many sources for funding as we possibly can. Remember, its easier to raise $10,000 for example, with 10 $1000 donations or even 20 $500 ones rather than 1 big donation. So try to contact as many sources as possible, the worst that can happen is that they'll say no.