[ManicMechanic]

Financing your team can take several forms, depending on whether you want a home-based team or a school-based one. My son and I have started both types. While it might be possible for students alone to start and pay for a team, things will go much smoother if you have an adult helping you.

Home-based team
1. My son approached me and asked if he could start a robotics team (FLL). We sat down together and figured out the costs ($500, since he owned a robot kit, which he was willing to share), and how many people we would need at a minimum (4). Our family was willing to contribute $200, so my son needed to find at least 3 others who were willing to contribute $100 each. I also agreed to be the administrative coach, if he would take care of the technical aspects.
2. My son invited about a dozen friends to join the team. The parents were informed that they would need to pay $100 up front, and the money would not be refunded if they quit, unless they found a replacement. They were told that if 6 or more members joined, the cost per person would go down and they would receive a partial refund. We ended up with a team of 5, at a cost of $100/person. The parents were willing to pay, since this is similar to the cost of other activities, like soccer.

School-based team
1. My son and I calculated the costs of starting a team (Vex). Our family decided to donate the robot equipment, so the remaining costs would be for registration ($275), tournament fee (estimated $300), and playing field elements (estimated $300 - $1000). We figured that if we were conservative on the playing field, we could keep the remaining costs at about $1000.
2. We approached the school principal and asked if it would be possible to start a robotics club/team at school (we brought in robots to demonstrate). He was willing to work with us (probably because we were willing to donate over $500 in robot equipment), and found a science teacher who was willing to be the coach/advisor.
3. We are working with the coach on fundraising ideas to raise the remaining $1000, including car washes, candy sales, and pizza sales.

I would try your parents first (and your friend’s parents) as a source of funding. You might be able to work out a deal with them, like suggesting that they pay for the registration as a birthday/Christmas gift, or choose to give up items that they might have purchased for you otherwise (like electronic entertainment gadgets) in exchange for their financial help. I would also see if you can recruit more people to be on your team, which means more parents to contribute to the fund.

Corporations will sometimes donate money, but you’re more likely to get donations if you’re affiliated with a school or other group (like Scouts, or Boys & Girls clubs). If you already have some money raised, it’s easier to go to a school or corporation and say, “We have already been successful in raising part of the money – will you help us succeed in completing our goal?”

I admire your enthusiasm – best success in starting and funding your team!