Team Overdrive (FRC 2753) formed a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization three years ago to start our FTC (then FVC) program. It has worked wonderfully. As a group of home educated students. we recognized the need to have an IRS recognized organization to solicit funds from industry -- the 501(c)(3) is the key. 4-H is also a good route. However, if you want autonomy, a 501(c)(3) is best.
See IRS publication 555 to get started.
You can visit our non-profit website at
www.teen-technology.org.
We have links to our FRC 2753 Team Overdrive and Power Surge (FTC).
We are Rookies this year in FRC.