Any suggestions on finding sponsors?

[ccla7247]

Our local school doesn't have the budget to fund a Jr. FLL team this year. I have students interested but will have to start up a home team and find sponsor(s) to fund the costs associated with participation (kits, registration fees, etc).

Any suggestions on how to best find sponsors?

[McBots]

Re: Any suggestions on finding sponsors?

Since the theme this year is Snack Attack, you could possibly get a local supermarket to sponsor.

Also, local universities with computer science might have some resources. Lots of large companies also have allocations for things like Scouts or 4H, and they may have some funds available.

It doesn't take that much to start a Jr. FLL team.
Magic City Bots

[Jsnlong]

Re: Any suggestions on finding sponsors?

Maybe have the parents chip in alittle a peice. A Jr team doesnt take that much money to start up..

Ask a local company like a doctor office or auto garage. The key to finding sponsors is just asking. All they can say is no and move on.

Does your school have a PTO that might be able to help fund it. Also does the school have private companies as education partners that you could ask for help?

[ccla7247]

Re: Any suggestions on finding sponsors?

Thanks for the tips. My obstacle is that our school doesn't offer the program so i've had to form a team on my own. I have a few different companies willing to sponsor but they can only offer donations for Non-Profit organizations. Unfortunately for me, since we're not affiliated with the school i don't have the NonProfit status needed.

I've contacted our PTA and school principal for support, but now that i've already formed the team, they can't support because the program isn't available to ALL students who meet the eligiblity requirements (ages 6-9). Quite frustrating. I keep hitting a brick wall.

[eaglesc]

Re: Any suggestions on finding sponsors?

Thanks for the tips. My obstacle is that our school doesn't offer the program so i've had to form a team on my own. I have a few different companies willing to sponsor but they can only offer donations for Non-Profit organizations. Unfortunately for me, since we're not affiliated with the school i don't have the NonProfit status needed.

I've contacted our PTA and school principal for support, but now that i've already formed the team, they can't support because the program isn't available to ALL students who meet the eligiblity requirements (ages 6-9). Quite frustrating. I keep hitting a brick wall.

I would look beyond the school. Our school is wonderful and supportive but the bureaucracy requirements are why we are not a school program even though all the kids attend the same schools.

I doubt your local United Way could help you directly -- but many UW's serve as information clearing houses and they might be able to help you find someone who can.

There are a surprising number of small non-profit groups you've never heard of that do this sort of thing. For example, a late family member of mine always collected toys for kids stuck in the hospital while undergoing chemotherapy over Christmas holidays. At his death we found out that there was a local clearing house which would take donations, provide the tax exempt umbrella and disburse funds once a year so the good work could continue. Moreover, they would do this for free as long as the number of disbursements was small and the book keeping minimal. It may sound morbid, but call a couple of mortuaries -- they deal with "gift in the memory of" issues on a somewhat regular basis. Certainly not guaranteed to work, but might be worth a phone call.

[Roosevelt Robotics]

Re: Any suggestions on finding sponsors?

I've done a little research on Jr FLL, but I haven't been able to find anything about the actual cost to start a team. There was another thread in this forum, but the link was bad.

We have an established FLL program at our middle school and would like to introduce robotics to the students at our feeder elementary schools. We already have plenty of Mindstorms robotic kits, but would the younger kids need something easier to use. We also have several of the old Technic Dacta 1030 and 1032 kits.

Randy

[surasit]

Re: Any suggestions on finding sponsors?

Where are you located? I'm not sure about other states. If you are in NJ, I can give you a specific direction.

[ccla7247]

Re: Any suggestions on finding sponsors?

Where are you located? I'm not sure about other states. If you are in NJ, I can give you a specific direction.

I'm in VA state.

[someonewhobikes]

Re: Any suggestions on finding sponsors?

We have an established FLL program at our middle school and would like to introduce robotics to the students at our feeder elementary schools. We already have plenty of Mindstorms robotic kits, but would the younger kids need something easier to use. We also have several of the old Technic Dacta 1030 and 1032 kits.

How old are the kids with which you're thinking about doing this? Jr. FLL certainly is less expensive to register (http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprogr...l/registration) but the "full" FLL is quite feasible to use in elementary schools. That team of 3rd graders at the tournament last Saturday was just sooooo cute. And they really were enjoying themselves; they were at the table I was reffing a couple of times.

And your Jr. High kids would learn a lot by being mentors.

[UlrikeDG]

Re: Any suggestions on finding sponsors?

I know this is an old thread, but I'll reply in case others are in a similar situation. First, I would say, "Keep trying."

Second, consider partnering with another youth organization. I've met coaches whose teams are Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts. I coach a FLL team that is affiliated with 4-H. That affiliation gives our team non-profit status, and my local 4-H office is great about providing us with resources. When the laptop we'd been using died, 4-H found us a new (used) one! They've also found us grants, provided us with space to host events, and generally been very helpful. Oh, and liability insurance? They've got me covered.