[MoeMom]

We've had good luck with civic groups- Rotary or Kiwannas for example. If a few students give a brief presentation and a robot demo at a meeting or luncheon, they often donate money. It has added benefits- students practice presention skills and the club members will sometimes offer to help in ways we never imagined... they have skills, materials, etc. in their businesses or other connections with media and events. You'll have to make a few calls to members to get on their agenda and plan out your phone calls before you make them.

Also, a school-based grant that I saw online might help, but we've never applied for it... American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

http://www.aiaa.org/content.cfm?pageid=216

Good luck!