Potential FIRST Sponsor

FIRST General Forum
#1

I work for a company that has recently grown to almost a billion dollar company in the last few years. It is technology based. They have sponsored some individual FRC teams over the years but I think it is time for them to sponsor FIRST.

I am hoping to get some advice how to proceed. I need a good pitch and some good material. A short video would be nice. It would need to be attention grabbing and let them know right away why FIRST is different from all the other groups that want their money. I would be presenting to busy people and I will need to get them interested quick before they get bored and just want to get rid of me. I can certainly bring in a few robots and students for a demo but I need advice in getting started.

Any ideas?

#2

I have found an incredible amount of things that I use from Dean Kamen’s 2009 Kickoff Speech. I think he pretty much summed up what FIRST is about and more!

Found at the bottom of this page: http://robotics.arc.nasa.gov/events/2009_frcwebcasts.php

#3

I would recommend reaching out to your Regional Director (http://www.usfirst.org/regional-contacts).
Regional Directors are not only a great resource for teams within their communities, but can also help teams work with FIRST HQ.

#4

I have always thought this video was good. I usually use only the first minute as a intro piece.

#5

do you have a building in michigan?? cuz i have a team that is looking for a sponsor

#6

Have you talked with Gail Alpert from FIRST in Michigan? http://www.firstinmichigan.org/

#7

I have talked to her about having this team started but not about sponsorships. could she help me with that?

#8

I watched and listened to it today. I know some say he is long winded but I always enjoy his speaches. He gives lots of good reasons for a company to support FIRST.

Superbotman - Great video you recommend. It has most all of the highlights I would like to present without being too long. I actually like the whole thing.

Michael - Just before I started the thread I e-mailed the regional director for this area. He has already gotten back to me and I am sure he will be a great help.

Jamie - We have nothing in your area but if you search Chief Delphi there is lots of advice on raising money and getting sponsors for teams. It is not easy but it is definately doable. Good luck.

Thanks to all for the help. Now I need to find the best person to approach where I work.

#9