Are you looking for FIRST^® Tech Challenge (FTC^®) funding? We have your inspiration. Well, we can’t take credit for it. In the past, @TETRIXrobotics and several FTC teams got into a conversation about the best ways to get funding for robotics. It started when Team 8566 The Firebirds said they were struggling to find enough money. Other teams were quick to step up and offer their best tips. You might find them helpful too, so here some of their comments and a bonus option:

1. Yard sale, car wash, grants. I would apply for the PTC grant, we’ve gotten it the past two years, it’s great! – unknown (The grant they referred to might’ve passed deadline, but check back each year if you’re interested.)
2. Call every machine shop/parts supplier/engineering firm in town. Don’t ask for a specific dollar amount. – @cp
3. Have support tiers -- $50 for bronze, $500 for gold, etc. -- and perks at each level. – @cp
4. Most importantly, let them know that you're learning how to be the kind of people they could one day hire. - @cp
5. Show them the game video. Hard to not get hooked at that point. – @cp
6. Make sure you show a company your fully written business plan including a budget (need it for notebook anyway). – @RoboticRams
7. Create a strong Business Plan & connect with local eng. orgs. - SME, ASME, ASQ, SWE, etc. to get corp. contacts – @RohmingRobots
8. Also best fundraiser for us has been to hosting FLL camps. Starting with a weekend half-day camp might be best. – @RohmingRobots
9. Have you heard? We’re paying it forward by offering a Pitsco Team Grant awarded to a competitive team each month? And you can apply for the $150 grant each month unless you’ve been a recipient within the calendar year!

Do you have any funding tips to share? Comment on this post or send them to us at @TETRIXrobotics. Thanks to all the teams who stepped up to help out a fellow team! This is just another example of how great the FIRST community is.