[maltz1881]

In MI. several teams banded together and formed a group called MMRA (Mid Michigan Robotic Alliance). Currently there are 12 due paying members with a couple more teams asking to join this year. We joined together to not only help and support each other during build but to also approach businesses for money.

We felt that it would be easier for our group to ask for money from people like the UAW and grant monies. Companies would rather write 1 check and see there name on 12 robots rather then 1 check 1 robot.

Each team must help out in several areas in order to receive any monies raised. Ex. run a Lego team, send 2 volunteers to help in a concession booth during Districts, help put on the Kettering Kickoff in the fall, participate in a public awareness opportunity such as Back To the Bricks which is a giant auto cruise/show, etc.

Currently every team except 1 in Genesee and Lapeer Counties are involved. We also have an Oakland County team involved. We meet 4-6 times a year to discuss our ideas and work on fund raisers. We are a 501 3c organization, have officers, sub groups etc. I know this model won't work for everybody but it is certainly helping all of us.