Alternative Fundraising Strategies

Diversifying Income Through Grants, Events, and Community Support

Sustainable funding is one of the biggest challenges FRC teams face. While corporate sponsorships and grant partnerships are essential, developing multiple revenue streams helps ensure long-term stability. This guide outlines real strategies used by successful teams—including our own—for raising money beyond traditional sponsorships.

1. Grants

Recurring Opportunities Each year, many FIRST partners and corporate supporters offer team grants—especially between mid-summer and mid-October. Stay up to date through the FIRST Grants Portal.

Tips for Success

• Save copies of past applications to use as templates

• Keep a team grant writing folder with common language, stats, and photos

• Involve students in drafting responses to teach writing, planning, and budgeting skills

• Use a wishlist at the beginning of the year—ranked by priority—to align asks with goals

Stand Out by Being Specific Companies value specificity. Instead of requesting “general support,” describe your actual goals:

• Covering robot registration

• Updating laptops for programming

• Purchasing safety glasses for pit crew This shows purpose and planning—qualities funders look for.

2. Fundraisers

Junior Bots Camp One of our biggest fundraisers is a summer camp for elementary-age students. These camps are a win-win:

• Promote STEM to young students

• Build leadership skills for team members

• Generate significant team income

Keys to Success

• Keep costs low: Reuse supplies, use free public spaces, and market via word of mouth

• Make it accessible: Set a fair price that balances affordability with financial return

• Involve students: Assign roles like teaching, logistics, and registration

Other Fundraisers We’ve Used:

• Concessions at University of Iowa events

• Restaurant fundraiser nights (e.g., Pizza Ranch)

• Lightbulb sales—a fun and unusual way to raise funds

• Future idea: Launch a fan merch store with simple team-branded items (shirts, stickers)

Tips:

• Think about both active (camps, concessions) and passive (online stores, repeat sales) income streams

• Keep a calendar of events and rotate responsibilities among students

3. Outreach as a Fundraising Tool

Make Outreach Count While the primary purpose of outreach is to promote STEM and FIRST values, it can also lead to fundraising opportunities.

How We Do It:

• Display a PayPal QR code at events for instant donations

• Share success stories to encourage community support

• Mention that we’re a student-run nonprofit seeking to grow access to robotics

Most donations come from alumni, family friends, or people who’ve seen us at multiple events.

Always Be Prepared:

• Bring sponsorship brochures to every outreach

• Display a visual timeline or impact poster to build credibility

• Capture photos and testimonials for social media to increase visibility

4. Community Support and Passive Income

Partnerships with Local Businesses Even if a company can’t sponsor you, they might help in other ways:

• Hosting a donation jar at their counter

• Printing flyers at discount

• Providing snacks or pizza for camp days

• Offering a discount for team purchases (parts, tools, shirts)

Passive Income Ideas

• Affiliate links (with vendors you already use)

• Community grants from local clubs like Kiwanis or Rotary

• Amazon Smile (when it existed) or similar donation programs

Final Tips for Alternative Fundraising

• Involve the whole team: Business and non-tech students should lead here

• Keep track: Document what worked, what didn’t, and what to try next year

• Tell stories: People donate to causes, not just events. Focus on your mission and impact

• Promote year-round: Fundraising doesn’t have to stop in the fall