I think someone said it before but NASA does offer start up money for rookie teams. It will be helpfull and once you can show your school and the parents that NASA will be helping you guys out, this will generate interest amongst them.
Also, go around your community and nearby towns in search of mechanics or anyone with engineering and programming experience to mentor and coach the team.
Hope you can pull this off.
Idea for a name- "Miracle Robotics"
