Fundraising & Sponsorship Guide

​Securing adequate funding is crucial for the success of any FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) team. Effective fundraising and sponsorship strategies not only provide the necessary financial support but also strengthen community ties and enhance team visibility. This guide outlines proven approaches and resources to help your team achieve its financial goals.​FIRST Inspires

Understanding the Financial Landscape

An FTC team's budget typically encompasses expenses such as registration fees, robot components, tools, travel, and promotional materials. Developing a comprehensive budget is the first step toward identifying funding needs and setting realistic fundraising targets.​

Fundraising Strategies

1. Community Engagement Events:

   • Workshops and Camps: Host STEM-related workshops or summer camps for younger students. These events can serve as both educational outreach and fundraising opportunities.​

   • Recycling Drives: Partner with local recycling companies to organize metal drives, where proceeds from collected materials support the team.​

2. Product Sales:

   • Merchandise: Sell team-branded items such as T-shirts, hats, or mugs to supporters.​

   • Concessions: Operate food stalls at local events or school functions to raise funds.​

3. Crowdfunding:

   • Utilize online platforms to reach a broader audience. Create compelling campaigns that tell your team's story and funding needs.​

4. Grants:

   • Local Foundations: Apply for grants from community foundations or local businesses that support educational initiatives.​

   • FIRST Grants: Explore grants offered through FIRST, which are designed to support teams in need. 

Sponsorship Acquisition

1. Identify Potential Sponsors:

   • Local Businesses: Approach businesses in your community that may have an interest in supporting educational programs.​

   • Corporate Sponsorships: Reach out to larger corporations known for supporting STEM initiatives.​

2. Develop Sponsorship Packages:

   • Tiered Sponsorship Levels: Create packages that offer varying levels of recognition and benefits, such as logo placement on robots or team apparel.​

   • Customized Proposals: Tailor proposals to align with the sponsor's interests and community involvement.​

3. Presentation and Follow-Up:

   • Professional Outreach: Prepare formal presentations or proposals that clearly outline the benefits to the sponsor.​

   • Maintain Relationships: Keep sponsors informed of team progress and involve them in events to foster long-term partnerships.​

Resources

• FIRST Fundraising Toolkit: A comprehensive guide offering strategies, templates, and examples to assist teams in their fundraising efforts. ​FIRST Inspires

• FIRST Fundraising Resources: A collection of materials, including budgeting guides and sponsorship packet templates, to support teams in their fundraising activities. ​FIRST Inspires

• Solid Edge by Siemens: Provides free access to professional design engineering software and sponsorship funding opportunities for qualifying teams. ​solidedge.siemens.com

• REV Robotics Sponsorship: Offers sponsorship programs where teams can earn rewards and resources through active engagement. ​revrobotics.com

• MSOE Team Sponsorship: The Milwaukee School of Engineering offers sponsorship opportunities for FTC teams, including financial support and resources. ​msoe.edu

By implementing these strategies and utilizing available resources, your FTC team can build a robust financial foundation, ensuring a successful and enriching season.