Have you considered starting with an FTC team? It is too late for this year, but some schools may be more willing to fund FTC the first year. After a year or so in FTC, they may be willing to start an FRC team as well.
And don't forget that you don't need a school. If you have a community group, 4H, Scout troop, community center, you can approach them as well. there are many teams that are not associated with any school.
The main items you need are:
Money
Place to build
Tools
Coaches
FIRST has new pages and brochures specifically on How To Start a Team (although I think their money estimates are low).
FTC:
http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprogr...
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FRC: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprogr...t.aspx?id=5504
Good luck! FIRST needs people like you to keep the program alive!