Gail Alpert is an expert in this area. She always creates a information document like this to use:
http://www.freebmw.net/don/FIRST/Tea...ooklet2006.pdf
It also is more than just getting the money. You have to represent the sponsors well and keep them involved. Gail spends an incredible amount of time working on signs for the robot, banners, press releases, etc... I'm sorry, but you can't just stick their logo on your robot and expect to get a good response...
We spend a lot of time, weight, and money getting our robot to look good. But it's easier to show your team exposure to potential sponsors when your robot shows up in pictures on FIRST's web site and in their annual report.
It takes a LOT of time, and I don't know how Gail does it. But, she's the best...