Sponsors

[Isaac501]

Originally Posted by thenomnivore

My team and I are trying to expand our number of sponsors, which is only 2, and looking for ideas on who would be willing to give us any money/materials/machining capabilities (We are limited to companies that promote Catholic Values since we go to a private school). Right now, we believe we can contact a company of major energy drinks. Any more ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I think limiting yourself in that fashion is going to limit your sponsors.

Our former local Catholic high school team was sponsored by an Israeli company for 15+ years.

Also, I'm curious how an energy drink company can purport to promote Catholic values.

[DjScribbles]

I second the idea of getting the diocese more familiar with your team, and what you are doing. The idea of gracious professionalism has a lot in common with Christian values, and the attitude of FIRST is something that few other sports come close to promoting.

But, keep in mind that a team doesn't have to have a school backing it. For a lot of teams this can help, because it gives them better recruiting, sponsorship, facilities, etc. but if your school is hindering these things, you can certainly (if the whole team is ok with the idea) move off campus.

Our team consists primarily of home school kids (and a few scattered rural public schools), we get support from Lake Michigan College (they support a number of teams in the area) in the form of facilities, machines, some money, and huge help in networking with area businesses.

Your school is supposed to be a supporter for your team, but if your school is holding your team back, there's nothing wrong with politely finding a different support network.

[lpickett]

Ask your students if any of their parents work for Honeywell. I am a mentor for 1730 and Honeywell will give the team $500 after I put in 50 hours of time each year. If there is none, contact your local Honeywell business and see if they are willing to provide mentors or possibly be a sponsor. They are very happy to get students involved with math and science. Our company supports over 25 teams with around 35 to 40 mentors. Some of them mentor several teams. We also have several that volunteer time at the Kansas City regional. Good luck, God will guide you well.

[thenomnivore]

Originally Posted by Isaac501

I think limiting yourself in that fashion is going to limit your sponsors.

Our former local Catholic high school team was sponsored by an Israeli company for 15+ years.

Also, I'm curious how an energy drink company can purport to promote Catholic values.

The company doesnt necessarily need to promote Catholic values, they just can't be openly against them.

[Alexa Stott]

Originally Posted by thenomnivore

The company doesnt necessarily need to promote Catholic values, they just can't be openly against them.

So...companies like Apple, Google, Starbucks, Microsoft, IBM, Boeing, and such?

Originally Posted by PayneTrain

There are plenty of secular grants you can apply for. I know we applied for a grant from NASA this year, and plan on writing for a grant from a power company this offseason.

I would approach your school about lightening yup on this restriction if it means your program can succeed. You aren't running Model UN or a men's quartet. You are trying to grow a costly, but very rewarding program that has obvious positive effects on people within and outside of your organization.

Besides, if the company is willing to support a private, religious school, they indirectly support those values... right?

I'm not sure about NASA. They provide benefits to same-sex partners which could be seen as openly opposing "Catholic values."