Organizations likely to sponsor teams
From FIRSTwiki
The following is a list of groups that are likely to be interested in funding or otherwise supporting a FIRST team. This list is by no means exaustive, but serves simply as a guideline for teams who don't know where to start.
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Civic Groups
Lions Clubs
From The International Lions Clubs Website:
- Since 1917, Lions clubs have offered people the opportunity to give something back to their communities. From involving members in projects as local as cleaning up an area park or as far-reaching as bringing sight to the world's blind, Lions clubs have always embraced those committed to building a brighter future for their community. Today with more than 46,000 clubs in 193 countries and geographical areas, Lions have expanded their focus to help meet the ever-increasing needs of our global community.
With that many local chapters, chances are there is one in your community. They even have a handy Club Locator, making it trivial to find one nearby. They hold fairly regular meetings, making it easy to arrange a presentation.
Rotary Clubs
From Rotary International:
- Rotary is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders that provides humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards in all vocations, and helps build goodwill and peace in the world. Approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 31,000 Rotary clubs located in 166 countries.
Very similar to Lion's Clubs, though these groups have very different membership criteria. "Rotarians," as members of this group are called, are usually business leaders, and membership is by invite only. Giving a presentation for one of these groups is an excellent idea, as you are in effect, presenting to a large segment of your communitie's business leaders. They also have a very helpful Club Locator.
Businesses
NASA
They usually provide funds for the first two years of a team.
Lockheed Martin
Xerox
Local Sponsors
One of the greatest elements of FIRST is it's ability to create a strong community where it may not have existed previously. It is strongly recommended that in addition to asking for support from large, national corporations that you also request aid from your local businesses and supporters.
A Local Identity
Successful teams will often try to establish a local Identity. This is usually by working in the name of the high school, city, or district that your team works in. A local business might be more willing to support the 'Oldtown Robot Squad,' than a team that just calls itself 'The Robo-Team'. A local identity is a powerful thing; the pro-sports leagues know this. Now you do too.
Your local hardware store
Try to make a deal, like free tools in exchange for a logo on the robot. Also, these stores are often run by people with a great deal of knowledge that teams may find useful. Would the proprieter be willing to donate some time as a mentor?
Local Eateries
One of a teams large expenses, particularly for large teams, is food. Many teams have found local restaurants or pizzarias willing to support them with free food, and sometimes even financial contributions. Many times the owners of these establishments will find a group of youngsters engaged in a (really cool!) scientific pursuit will be interested enough to help out your team however they can.
