Funding
What to Do:
1. Identify local businesses and organizations: Approach companies with a vested interest in community development or STEM.
2. Prepare a sponsorship pitch: Create a presentation or document explaining the benefits of funding FTC teams (community goodwill, brand visibility, fostering innovation).
Why It’s Important:
Local businesses often want to invest in their communities and see robotics to support youth and future workforce development.
Key Funding Contacts:
1
Appalachian Wireless
o Why: They are heavily involved in community initiatives in Appalachia.
o Contact: info@appalachianwireless.com
o Phone: (800) 438-2355
2
Kentucky Power
o Why: They are heavily involved in community initiatives in Appalachia.
o Contact: info@appalachianwireless.com
o Phone: (800) 438-2355
3
Community Trust Bank
o Why: They are heavily involved in community initiatives in Appalachia.
o Contact: info@appalachianwireless.com
o Phone: (800) 438-2355
Steps to Take:
1. Research the philanthropic or corporate social responsibility policies of these businesses.
2. Email or call their community engagement departments.
3. Highlight how FTC teams improve STEM skills, teamwork, and leadership among local students.
Fundraising Ideas:
Community Showcase Event-
Why It's Important:
Grassroots fundraising engages the local community, encouraging individuals to contribute to the cause. It helps raise awareness about the robotics program, attracting new supporters and participants. As more people get involved, the program gains momentum and strengthens its presence in the community.
o Organize a day where teams demonstrate their robots to potential donors and the community.
Crowdfunding Campaign-
o Use platforms like GoFundMe to tell your team’s story.
o Highlight specific funding needs (e.g., parts, travel expenses).
Sponsorship Drives-
o Create digital or physical flyers showcasing sponsorship opportunities.
o Deliver to local businesses and community groups.
Grants:
FIRST Team Grants:
Why It’s Important:
Grants can provide larger, more stable funding than smaller donations and often align with the educational and community upliftment missions of many organizations.
o Why:
Directly supports new FTC teams.
o How to Apply:
1. Visit FIRST Grant Opportunities.
2. Create an account, navigate to grants, and review eligibility.
3. Follow the submission instructions for applications.
Appalachian Regional Commision Grants:
o Why:
Focused on improving education and economic development in Appalachia.
o How to Apply:
1. Contact your state ARC program manager.
2. Align your proposal with their strategic goals (e.g., education and workforce readiness).
3. Visit arc.gov/grants-and-opportunities/ for guidelines.
Robotics Education & Competition Foundation Grants:
o Why:
Supports robotics education initiatives nationwide.
o How to Apply:
1. Visit recf.org/grants/.
2. Review available grants and apply.
Sponsorships:
01
What to do:
1. Target STEM-friendly companies: Look for national and local corporations interested in education or tech.
2. Offer sponsor benefits: Highlight perks like brand visibility, association with education, and media exposure.
02
Why it's Important:
Sponsorships help build long-term partnerships between organizations, fostering mutual growth and support.
03
Steps to Take:
1. Draft a professional sponsorship proposal.
2. Create a tiered sponsorship structure (e.g., gold, silver, bronze sponsors) and outline benefits at each level.
3. Reach out via email or phone, then follow up after two weeks if no response.
Potential Sponsors:
Bosch
o Contact: info@bosch.us
o Phone: (917) 421-7209
o Website: bosch.us
Jabil
o Contact: info@jabil.com
o Phone: (727) 577-9749
o Website: jabil.com
Additional Tools and Resources:
1. FIRST Fundraising Toolkit:
Includes templates and strategies.
o Access: firstinspires.org/resource-library/ftc/fundraising-resources
2. Center for Rural Development:
Offers leadership and funding advice.
o Contact: info@centertech.com
o Phone: (606) 677-6000 o Website: centertech.com