"These Hard Times"?

[tim_reiher]

Originally Posted by neoshaakti

do you just walk into the corporation or do you make a call and schedule an appointment. If the latter, what do you say that convinces them to give up some time to hear you out?
thanks

It can go both ways, but it probably depends mostly on the size of the business. With a larger business, you would probably be more inclined to set up a meeting, but with a small business, where someone who makes financial decisions is more easily accessible, it is more reasonable to walk in at any time of the day. Also, if the business you are approaching is a potentially very large sponsor, perhaps a potential main sponsor, you might want set up a time to make a presentation with a group of team members at the business.

I can't say from my mind what exactly is said in a phone conversation as such, but I would suggest that you, as a team, have a meeting and develop an organized strategy, and appealing phone pitch to deliver to the business. Give them something that draws them in, tell them that they have no obligation to give now, just that you want to give them this presentation. Try not to give off a real "telemarketer-y" vibe, either. Remember that it is easy to hang up on, or say no to, a voice on a phone.

Even if a business is unwilling to talk over the phone, remember, they can always be visited in person. If you can't directly talk to a manager-type figure, I would suggest making fundraising packets, and have these be passed on to such a person. These might include information about the program, about your team, about how to contact you if interested, and about how one might donate to your team and the benefits of doing so (helping a local organization, advancing engineering education in youth, advertising space on shirts and bots, etc.). These packets can convey what a phone conversation simply can't about this program, and may be a better tool in this situation.

Some businesses do turn you away, in good times and in bad. In that case, just keep looking, and don't get down on yourselves. You'll find someone out there, but persistence, along with planning, is key.

Good luck, and I hope this helps!

[AdamHeard]

I have noticed your approach really should vary from business to business. I'm no expert though.

For larger corporations, don't waste time calling and asking people. Find out if they have a grant program, and apply for that. If a larger corporation doesn't have a grant program, I guess call until you find the person who can help you with that. Each time you talk to someone there that isn't the right one, try to get as much advice and info as you can from them. They can provide a lot of tips on what to say to the correct person if you just ask them to. It may sound weird, but it's worked for me.

Have you considered trying service clubs? Kiwanas, Rotary, etc... usually have grants you can apply for, and if not a grant, you can just ask them to support your team.

In recent times I've been contacting machine shops and they seem to require an entirely different approach. They don't like having their time wasted, so call, give a very brief line and ask them exactly what you want (Don't say, can you assist with manufacturing, say can you make parts for us). I'd assume small businesses would require a similar approach as they are usually busy as well.

[waialua359]

We are more than willing to share some suggestions on the "approach." Our team takes pride in working with businesses and other types of sponsors.
We have done much less personal/team fundraising and more of the "partnership" approaches.
This is what I spend the majority of my time as the lead person of our team doing.

All I can say is that sustainability is a tough issue and teams should have dedicated people focusing on those tasks.

[JohnBoucher]

Being a non-profit organization helps. Companies like the tax advantages. Form a parents booster group, incorporate as a non-profit and have the donations go to them. The non-profit pays the bills.

Check with your school first to make sure they don't have a problem with that.

[Schnabel]

Here's a thought, instead of approaching a business and flat out asking them for money, get them involved first. Expand your team to their children (if they have any) so then they feel obligated to help out (Networking as mentioned above). Work with them, maybe start a committee who you report to what you have done and ask for any and all suggestions. I'm guessing that if a company is involved in the organization, they will have a lot more want and need to help it. Finally, make sure you award them back at the end of the year just to say "Thanks" for helping you out.

[IKE]

I haven't had to do the fundraising thing in a while, but here goes are some ideas.

Like the post above mentions, few people like to talk to people looking for hand-outs. Instead ask if you can do a presentation to their technical/engineering department. Include a couple of your better video clips from thebluealliance.net, and let interested tech people drive it around.
End your presentation with an explanation of the grant that you are looking for and how it has a $6k requirement. If you put an hour into each one of these presentations an 9/10 companies turn you down, but the 10th give you a $1000, you just made $100/hour. Not bad. While this sounds like a lot of work, that is what the grant is looking for. A second year team willing to put in the effort.
Most people are used to measure success as a 90% or better (homework, exams,....). In fundrasing or selling, it is more a matter of playing the odds. Maybe only 10% will be interested, but that means you have to make a lot of calls.
For our solarcar team we did an adopt a cell program. Imagine trying to raise $80,000 at $25/cell.
Most importantly, if you do get a sponsor, keep them involved. Send a little news letter on how you are doing.