Broke

We're not a well-funded team, but I know the secret: Never stop trying. There's money out there, waiting for an inspired group of students to come get it. Ask everybody and anybody. The worst that will happen? They decline, and you teach someone about FIRST.

The battle is only lost when you've stopped trying.

[Nuttyman54]

Back in 2005 and 2006 when Team 971 had no money, we ran a "Build-a-thon" fundraiser. Similar to a jog-a-thon or the like, each student was sent with form letters and information on how donations could be tax deductible, and asked for friends, family, companies to pitch in what they could. The goal was set for each student to try to bring in $500 (some were able to get more, some less). If you were able to get $25 each from 20 friends and neighbors, you made your goal.

Part of the donation benefit, besides the feel good and the tax deduction, was an invitation to an all-day lab open house on a Saturday of build season, so that the donors could come see the robot in production.

With about 12 students we were able to raise almost $7000 in 2005, enough to cover our season expenses and ensure the continued existence of the team.

Several teams do yearly fundraisers like Spaghetti dinners and have published whitepapers on how they run these. There's typically a very big return-on-investment for that type of fundraiser if run well, so you could check that out too.

[IndySam]

As you see, there are lots of ways to raise money, a driven group of students can easily raise $5000 if they work together.

But money isn't your real problem. You have to have more mentors. One mentor just can't do it alone even with all the money in the world. Recruiting mentors should be you primary goal.

Sit down with your team and work out a plan. You can do it.

[Pat Hart]

Spread your net wide and look for community sponsorship. There are many local companies that are willing to support local organizations. Put together a good handout that explains who your team is, what it does, and how their company can support. Be professional and persistent when you speak with companies.

Also, look for ways to be visible in the community. Demonstrations are an excellent way to build visibility and may bring your team into contact with potential sponsors. The demonstrations do not even have to be particularly STEM related. 234 recently had a demonstration at a health fair.

Stay positive and hopefully there will be many more years of 1257!