Help with acquiring money for team

[payokat]

So last year the PR captain of my team didn't really teach us how to go about doing PR things like getting sponsors and money, How do you go about getting sponsors and money from them?

[Arjun Namineni]

After contacting them (mail, e-mail, phone) and receiving confirmation that they are interested, try to give a presentation explaining what you're all about. Although, for small businesses all that might not be necessary. Then ask for a certain amount of money or something else that they can offer. You can try to find a company that will cut all of the parts that you need laser cut or something else like that.

Hope that helps!

[Jon Stratis]

make a list of what the team needs, and where all your money goes. A sponsor will be more willing to donate knowing that she's helping the team to do/buy X, than simply helping to fund the team in some way.

For example, our team has a wish list of things we want to get - at the top of the list this year is a second cRio. We know exactly how much it costs, and when talking with a potential sponsor, we can clearly articulate how it will help the team (early season prototyping, running two robots at once for practice, running the practice robot between competitions, etc). Being able to do this lets the sponsor know you're serious, you know how to handle the money they're giving you, and exactly what their money is going towards.

You also have to be able to provide a reason for the sponsor to give you their money. Advertising works really well - for different funding amounts, they get their name on your t-shirt and/or robot. For higher funding amounts, you can include a small logo. For even higher, a bigger logo. For a much higher, and longer term commitment, they can be a main sponsor for the team, and be introduced as such. For example, we are the "Boston Scientific & Convent of the Visitation School" Robettes - Boston Scientific is our one main sponsor.

When talking about how this will help them with advertising, you have to know the audience it gets in front of. If you're trying to get funding from a store that targets teens (pick the favorite teen clothing store of the day, for example), telling them that you'll be going to a local competition with hundreds of your piers is great. If your sponsor sells electrical parts, highlighting the professional mentors you and other teams have (which could directly increase their sales), and the fact that the program draws students who are interested in science, technology, and engineering is great.

[Siri]

As far a business sponsorships go, you're answering the "why should I pay you?" question. Be concrete and confident (quantitative can help too). What does your team do for students, aka future professionals and citizens? For the community? How will the sponsor's support help that? What will they get out of it?

Tailor your message and your presentation to the audience. Is it a multi-national STEM enterprise that's looking for a presentation and demo? Or a 2-person company one of your mentors collaborates with, which might want a shop tour? Parents and mentors do make great feet-in-the-door. Or a multi-national STEM enterprise that's looking for a presentation and demo? Note that some of those larger companies and organizations may have grant programs, which can also prove beneficial.

It can be hard, especially in this economy, to stir up interest. Make your presence felt in the school and community, and remember the answer is always no if you don't ask. It can be hard, but it's a lot easier than trying to pull money out of thin air. Team info packets can also help get you noticed.

Remember that there's also community events/fundraisers, though. Bake sales, candy vending, pancake breakfasts, and pasta dinners can have pretty big nets. Even non-food related fundraisers can rather productive. Our team hosts an annual VEX event to the tune solid profit.

Overall, stay organized about it. You don't need to become a 501(c)(3) right off the bat--though finding a cooperative one may help--but stay on top of your budget and bank account. Be clear about what money you need and have and where it's going. If you can, find mentors with experience/expertise in the area. Get people involved! Students, parents, mentors, robots, cousins, dogs. The more the merrier (and usually, easier).

If I've been unclear, FIRST NEMO is also a fantastic resource. Good luck!

[payokat]

Thanks for all of your help, everyone!

[r2davis2]

The way 294 has raised money in the past, or atleast no corporate donations, was just sitting around a phone book calling electronics and home improvement type stores, also comic stores seem to be very willing to donate money. This may not be the best or most successful way to raise money, but it has worked in the past for us with a decent amount of success

[Arjun Namineni]

Elaborating on what Siri said, food fundraisers can really help. Our team went to several restaurants and asked if we could hand out fliers to people. When they showed the flier at the restaurant and made a purchase, part of the profits came to us. We received about $100 per restaurant. If you do multiple restaurants, you can make some big cash.

You can also ask a restaurant to sponsor you by giving free food for your team meetings.