I'm not the financial planner on our team, but here's what I can throw in as far as I can figure out.
NASA grant right now is for 6k, which would need to be raised to help out the rookie teams.
We have a few main sponsors that kick 6k each, to pay for regionals and travel related expenses. We would need to renegotiate with these sponsors to help us out (this could be a problem.)
If it need to be done to keep the program running, then sure, but otherwise, I think we are
all thin around the 'wallet' area of our teams.
(Not to mention I wouldn't mind that extra 1k in my electrical budget for new sensors and toys
)
My Non-Team-Official 2 cents,
Jacob