$500 to go, one week

[artdutra04]

Don't automatically write off students because they didn't do well raising money in fundraisers like Hexbugs. Especially in this economy, people might not have the discretionary money to buy fundraiser flair. Our team encompasses high schools from both well-off suburbs and working class inner-city areas, and we've found the most "fair" fundraising efforts were ones that involve something everyone can provide: time and elbow grease. Things like selling food at state fairs, can and bottle drives, pasta dinner fundraisers.

Fundraiser events like these elevate the responsibility from an "every man for himself" attitude into a team activity, in which the product is worth more than the sum of its parts.

[Brandon_L]

Originally Posted by artdutra04

Don't automatically write off students because they didn't do well raising money in fundraisers like Hexbugs. Especially in this economy, people might not have the discretionary money to buy fundraiser flair. Our team encompasses high schools from both well-off suburbs and working class inner-city areas, and we've found the most "fair" fundraising efforts were ones that involve something everyone can provide: time and elbow grease. Things like selling food at state fairs, can and bottle drives, pasta dinner fundraisers.

Fundraiser events like these elevate the responsibility from an "every man for himself" attitude into a team activity, in which the product is worth more than the sum of its parts.

We have sponsorship packets that we made, and gave to the kids. All they have to do is make an attempt to go to a business or two. I'm fine with "Hey, I went to x business and got nothing". That shows an attempt. It just bothers me when they don't try at all.

We have a list of places to start calling, were going to do that soon. I just got home from a Dairy Queen fundraiser (10% of receipts dropped in bucket). It wasn't a great turnout, but not bad. While there we talked about possibly borrowing money from the other two teams in the area.

If you do get the $500 within the next week, I've got a suggestion.

Don't let the team members that didn't do any work on fundraising know that you made the deadline--yet.

Then, at the next team meeting, you, or better yet, a trusted mentor who's in on the game announces that because A Certain Group of Students couldn't be bothered to fundraise, your team is short X amount, and therefore can't register. Because you can't register, you can't compete, and if the Certain Group of Students had raised $Y apiece, it would have been rather easy to pay registration, etc, etc.

After the news sinks in and they start complaining and wondering why (and the point gets hammered home by repetition--you didn't raise enough, so you can't compete), you announce that A Different Group of Students managed to raise $500 at the last minute, and the status given was a week old. Because of that, you can in fact compete, but you will all need to work hard like the Different Group of Students. Oh, and by the way, that includes raising funds to help with building and travel (whether you actually need said funds or not, it's always good to have a little extra).

If they don't start complaining and wondering why, then it's probably time to shrink the team. Give me 10 hard workers who are willing to learn any day over 50 people who don't do any work, even if those 50 are more qualified. (Also applies if Certain Group of Students keeps being not-productively-busy without good reason.)

OK, now for some suggestions for places to get money:
-Chamber of Commerce
-Parents/grandparents/other assorted relatives
-Small businesses
-If a local mall or somewhere like that has a fountain, ask if you can collect the change that gets thrown in.
-More demos.
-See if another local team can give you a loan/pay part of your fee outright.
-See if FIRST can arrange to give you more time. (Of course, announcement of more time should you get it could easily be handled like getting more money above.)

I've actually thought of doing that.

Where/who would I contact for a possible extension on the deadline? Could we pay like 4,000 up front and the rest when we get it?

Thanks a ton for all the help guys!

[EricH]

You'd probably want to contact FRCTeams at usfirst.org to see about an extension. Extensions/payment plans/all that sort of thing are their department (I think--if it isn't, they'll know who to contact). And you're best off doing it well before the deadline so you can deal with whatever they say.

[Brandon_L]

Originally Posted by EricH

You'd probably want to contact FRCTeams at usfirst.org to see about an extension. Extensions/payment plans/all that sort of thing are their department (I think--if it isn't, they'll know who to contact). And you're best off doing it well before the deadline so you can deal with whatever they say.

so email frcteams@usfirst.org?