[FIRSTgirl675]

With the way the economy is right now, I would not depend on just major sponsorships from businesses. Team 675 got their money from student fundraising and donations for their first 6 seasons. This last year they went from having 5 or so large sponsors to none, but they were still able to go to the Silicon Valley and UC Davis regionals by collecting smaller donations and doing a lot of fundraisers such as fall and spring pasta feeds and a large garage sale in a busy downtown park. Another idea is to have each student on the team go out and try to get at least a total of $100 in donation(s), which shouldn't be too hard. That's an easy way to get $2800! One mentor on the team went out and collected donations and raised almost $8,000 for the team.

For trying to get larger sponsorships you can't really ask for an amount, you just have to give a nice presentation about what FIRST is about, what goals you have this next season, etc. If they are impressed they should hopefully make a donation towards your team. You will have more or less luck with this depending on where you are located in the Bay Area. If you are Located in Silicon Valley and in the South or East Bay, you will probably have a better chance than you would if you are located in the North Bay.