Sponsorship Advice for Rookie Teams

[EricH]

Don't just hit the big companies. Hit everybody up for anything they can donate that will help. Take a look in the Fundraising subforum here and see what you can come up with.

For the NASA grants, read the information carefully. You need to make sure to apply correctly, and fulfill all the requirements. (I'll let Dave Lavery get more specific if he chooses; I think he already has in a thread on the NASA grants.)

As for the other companies, try going through their respective Community Relations departments.

[R.C.]

Originally Posted by EricH

Don't just hit the big companies. Hit everybody up for anything they can donate that will help. Take a look in the Fundraising subforum here and see what you can come up with.

For the NASA grants, read the information carefully. You need to make sure to apply correctly, and fulfill all the requirements. (I'll let Dave Lavery get more specific if he chooses; I think he already has in a thread on the NASA grants.)

As for the other companies, try going through their respective Community Relations departments.

I second Eric's approach. The only big sponsor we have is BOEING. They have only been with us for one year. We still manage to raise 50k from our local area. We have gotten to the point where we have 70+ little sponsors. Some don't even give us money, instead they donate: aluminum, powdercoating and food. Also, Robotics teams tend to easily qualify for school grants.

Heres what I suggest:

-Have a parent/student meeting and ask the big question "Does anyone think they know someone or company that could sponsor." As funny as it sounds, we made 10k before Atlanta this way.

-Go out to the community and promote FIRST (such as fundraisers: selling food works pretty well or going to community functions: have a booth with flyers of your team)

-Apply for Grants: ask school.

-Go to the Board of Education with a veteran team and show the possibilites and advantages of FIRST.

There is endless supply of info in the fundraising section. Btw, what would help is where are you guys located. Its is very important to work with other teams and Veterans teams can point you guys in the right direction.

-RC

If you need more help or a further explanation, PM me.