Team Funding Guide
1. Introduction
Briefly introduce your team:
- Who you are (team name, school, club, or organization)
- What you do (e.g., "We compete in FTC robotics competitions")
- Why funding is important (travel, competition fees, robot parts, and tools)
Example:
We are Team 25690 – The Evergreen Tech-A-Trons, a community robotics team competing in the FIRST Tech Challenge. Our goal is to inspire students in STEM while building innovative robots. Funding helps cover competition registration, travel, robot parts, and outreach programs.
2. Funding Goals
Be specific about what money will be used for:
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Robot Parts & Electronics | $1,200 |
| Tools & Materials | $500 |
| Competition Fees | $400 |
| Travel & Lodging | $600 |
| Team Shirts & Branding | $200 |
| Total | $2,900 |
3. Funding Options
List ways people can contribute:
A. Corporate Sponsorships
- Reach out to local businesses.
- Offer recognition: team logo on robot, shirts, website, or social media.
B. Community & Parent Donations
- Fundraising events (car washes, bake sales, garage sales)
- Crowdfunding platforms (GoFundMe, DonorsChoose)
- Offer small perks: thank-you cards, social media shoutouts
C. Grants & Competitions
- Check for STEM grants from foundations or local organizations.
- FIRST sometimes provides grants or matching funds.
4. Sponsorship Tiers (Optional)
Create levels so sponsors know what they get:
| Tier | Contribution | Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | $50 | Social media shoutout |
| Silver | $100 | Logo on team website + social media |
| Gold | $250 | Logo on team t-shirt |
| Platinum | $500+ | Logo on robot + t-shirt + website + social media |
5. How to Donate
Make it easy for people to give:
- Bank or PayPal info (with school approval if needed)
- Online crowdfunding link
- Contact email for checks or in-person donations
Example:
Donations can be sent via PayPal to team12345@gmail.com or mailed to Team 12345, 123 Main St., YourCity, State, ZIP.
6. Thank You & Contact
Always end with gratitude and contact info.
Thank you for supporting Team 12345! Your support inspires students to explore STEM, develop leadership skills, and compete at a high level.
Contact: coach@example.com | Phone: (123) 456-7890 | Website: www.team12345.com
💡 Tips to Make it Stand Out
- Add your team logo and photos of robots or competitions.
- Keep it 1–2 pages—easy for sponsors to read.
- Make a PDF version to email or hand out.