We are trying to start a new FRC team, and right now we have everything set up except for money. While we have some ideas, right now our entire plan hinges on getting the NASA grant for rookie teams and starting a GoFundMe. Does anyone have any tips for doing these, or any other ways to raise funds for our team? Any help is appreciated.
Few good things depending on if you are from a small town or not, is going to local businesses and asking for sponsorship. This not only allows for businesses to give back to the community, but also to get your name out there in the community. With all of the COID-19 stuff going on right now, I would probably hold off until it cools down. Numerous fundraisers such as bottle drives, and other common ones are also good!
Thank You! Our team was actually planning on doing just that, but we’ve had to put it off since COVID-19, right now were planning on doing something over the summer. Again, thank you for the help!
Also regarding the NASA grant, how competitive is it for rookie teams? If there is anyone with experience applying for the NASA grant, do you have any tips about applying for it?
I personally don’t have experience because my team our rookie year did not apply for it, but I have heard it to be competitive. More info can be found here: https://frc-grants.arc.nasa.gov/rcs/directions.php
Thank you again! You’ve been really helpful!
Besides NASA, are their any other companies that regularly supply grants for FRC? Also if anyone have experience with crowdfunding campaigns could you tell us how well it worked for you?
Just off the top of my head, if you have mentors that work for FCA, BAE Systems, Ford Motor Company, GM, Boeing, Apple, Toyota, etc. I know I am missing a lot, but I would start there. The best thing that you could do from what 4130 has learned is to create a sponsorship hand out that lays down your team and what you stand for, and I usually send these with our mentors each you to take to their workplace as well as do the sponsoring from businesses. Email me at [email protected] and I’ll be gladly to email you our sponsor handout.
Ok thank you! We had no idea on how to get started with that, thank you so much!
Where are you located? There is usually someone in each state assigned to assisting new teams. Otherwise you can reach out to nearby teams and see what kind of support they can offer.
We are located in South Carolina. Do you know how we can communicate with them?
Not the person to talk to, but I’m sure he knows:
@Billfred, who is the South Carolina Senior Mentor (if there is one)?
Or, using the “Contact Us” page on FIRST’s website, looking for regional contacts…
Regional Director - South Carolina
Frank Lanford
flanford [at] bellsouth [dot] net
Frank Lanford is retiring after over a decade and a half as the RD. But we have two FSMs, so I’ll follow up.
Good luck I wish you all the best!
Thank You! You have been really helpful!
If you are a teacher or have a faculty advisor (teacher), Donors Choose is also a good resource.
They provide matching funds for first-time teachers.
Thank you for the tip, I will definitely be looking into it!
Where in SC are you? The are many teams out here, more than willing to help.
In the upstate.