Picking up where you left off.
Haven't started the club yet? Start it first: signups and an advisor come before money, and every funder will ask about both.
Every funder wants to know the same three things: what the money is for, how much, and why it matters.
The budget
- $
- $
- $
Add:
Total: $650
We filled in typical costs as a starting point. Swap in real prices - estimates are OK.
What research says about robotics clubs
- 61% of FIRST robotics alumni majored in engineering or computer science, compared with 26% of similar students. A 10-year study followed 1,273 students; the comparison group came from math and science classes at the same schools. FIRST paid for it. Brandeis University, 2024
- Women who did FIRST were more than 3 times as likely to major in engineering. They also reported median incomes about $20,000 a year higher than women in the comparison group. Brandeis University, 2024
- Students who did STEM competitions in high school were more likely to want STEM careers. A survey of 15,847 college students, accounting for the interest they had before high school. Students who did more than one competition showed the strongest link. Miller, Sonnert & Sadler, 2018
- Students in school activities were far more likely to have no unexcused absences and a B average or better. 50% vs 36% for attendance, and 31% vs 11% for grades, among high school seniors. The federal report notes this shows the two go together, not which causes which. National Center for Education Statistics
The first one goes in your proposal, as a link. They're what studies found, not promises about your club.
What research says about coding or computer science clubs
- Students who took AP Computer Science Principles were about 3 times as likely to major in computer science. College Board data comparing similar students. It's a course, not a club, but it shows how much early exposure to CS matters, especially for students who'd never taken a STEM AP. College Board, 2020
- Students who did STEM competitions in high school were more likely to want STEM careers. A survey of 15,847 college students, accounting for the interest they had before high school. Miller, Sonnert & Sadler, 2018
- Students in school activities were far more likely to have no unexcused absences and a B average or better. 50% vs 36% for attendance, and 31% vs 11% for grades, among high school seniors. The federal report notes this shows the two go together, not which causes which. National Center for Education Statistics
- Students in school clubs in 11th grade were more likely to be in school and civically engaged a year after graduating. A study that followed students in Maryland from middle school into adulthood. Fredricks & Eccles, 2006
The first one goes in your proposal, as a link. They're what studies found, not promises about your club.
What research says about science Olympiad or research clubs
- Students who did STEM competitions in high school were more likely to want STEM careers. A survey of 15,847 college students, accounting for the interest they had before high school. The link was strongest for students who did more than one competition, and in the field they competed in. Miller, Sonnert & Sadler, 2018
- Students in school activities were far more likely to have no unexcused absences and a B average or better. 50% vs 36% for attendance, and 31% vs 11% for grades, among high school seniors. The federal report notes this shows the two go together, not which causes which. National Center for Education Statistics
- Students in school clubs in 11th grade were more likely to be in school and civically engaged a year after graduating. A study that followed students in Maryland from middle school into adulthood. Fredricks & Eccles, 2006
The first one goes in your proposal, as a link. They're what studies found, not promises about your club.
What research says about debate, Model UN or mock trial clubs
- In Chicago, students on debate teams were 3.1 times more likely to graduate. 2,449 debaters compared with 9,730 students at the same schools, accounting for 8th-grade achievement and poverty. Debaters were also more likely to be college-ready on the ACT. Anderson & Mezuk, 2012
- In Boston, 80% of debaters graduated within five years, compared with 68% of similar students. Debaters' reading scores also rose, and the lowest-scoring students gained the most. 53% went on to college, compared with 41%. Schueler & Larned, 2023
- Students in school activities were far more likely to have no unexcused absences and a B average or better. 50% vs 36% for attendance, and 31% vs 11% for grades, among high school seniors. The federal report notes this shows the two go together, not which causes which. National Center for Education Statistics
- Students in school clubs in 11th grade were more likely to be in school and civically engaged a year after graduating. A study that followed students in Maryland from middle school into adulthood. Fredricks & Eccles, 2006
The first one goes in your proposal, as a link. They're what studies found, not promises about your club.
What research says about art, theater or film clubs
- Among low-income students, 71% of those deeply involved in the arts went to college, compared with 48% of those who weren't. From four national studies that followed students for years. The report itself says it can't prove the arts caused it. National Endowment for the Arts, 2012
- Students in school activities were far more likely to have no unexcused absences and a B average or better. 50% vs 36% for attendance, and 31% vs 11% for grades, among high school seniors. The federal report notes this shows the two go together, not which causes which. National Center for Education Statistics
- Students in school clubs in 11th grade were more likely to be in school and civically engaged a year after graduating. A study that followed students in Maryland from middle school into adulthood. Fredricks & Eccles, 2006
The first one goes in your proposal, as a link. They're what studies found, not promises about your club.
What research says about music clubs
- Students deeply involved in school band or orchestra scored about a year ahead in math, science and English. A study of 112,916 students in British Columbia, accounting for their earlier test scores and family background. Guhn, Emerson & Gouzouasis, 2019
- Among low-income students, 71% of those deeply involved in the arts went to college, compared with 48% of those who weren't. From four national studies that followed students for years. The report itself says it can't prove the arts caused it. National Endowment for the Arts, 2012
- Students in school activities were far more likely to have no unexcused absences and a B average or better. 50% vs 36% for attendance, and 31% vs 11% for grades, among high school seniors. The federal report notes this shows the two go together, not which causes which. National Center for Education Statistics
- Students in school clubs in 11th grade were more likely to be in school and civically engaged a year after graduating. A study that followed students in Maryland from middle school into adulthood. Fredricks & Eccles, 2006
The first one goes in your proposal, as a link. They're what studies found, not promises about your club.
The proposal
Your proposal
[club name] at [school name]: funding proposal WHO WE ARE [#] students, with [advisor's name] as our advisor. [One or two sentences on what you want to do this year, like "compete in our first regional tournament in March."] WHAT IT COSTS - Supplies: $200 - Snacks for meetings: $150 - An event or field trip: $300 Total: $650 WHY IT MATTERS Federal data shows students in school activities were far more likely to have no unexcused absences (50% vs 36%) and a B average or better (31% vs 11%). (National Center for Education Statistics: https://nces.ed.gov/pubs95/web/95741.asp) A study that followed students for years found those in school clubs in 11th grade were more likely to be in school and civically engaged after graduating. (Fredricks & Eccles, 2006: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16802902/) THE REQUEST $650, or any part of it. Checks go to [school name] with "[club name]" in the memo line, so the money goes into our student activity account. We'd love to say thank you with your name or logo on our shirts, a shout-out at our events, and a short report at the end of the year with photos of what you made possible. CONTACT [your name], student lead [advisor's name], faculty advisor
A Start at school
Check if your school can already fund this: most keep a little cash around for clubs. Write to your principal and PTA first, attaching your proposal from step 2.
Email โ Can you help fund the [club name]?
Dear [Principal's name], I'm starting the [club name] with [advisor's name], and [#] students have signed up. We need $650 for supplies, snacks for meetings, and an event or field trip. I've attached a one-page proposal with the costs. Is there room in the school's club or activities budget for any of it? If not, could you point me to who handles club grants, like the PTA or the education foundation? Thank you, [your name] [school name]
Find their email on your school's staff page.
Email โ Grant request: $650 for the [club name]
Dear [PTA or PTO president], I'm a student at [school name] starting the [club name] with [advisor's name]. [#] students have signed up so far. Could the PTA fund $650 for supplies, snacks for meetings, and an event or field trip? The one-page proposal with the costs is attached. If you have a grant form, I'd be glad to fill it out, and I can come to a meeting to explain it in two minutes. Thank you, [your name] [school name]
Find their email on your PTA or PTO's page.
B Find funders near you
We started searching when you named your club: your school's PTA and foundation, the community foundation for your county, local businesses and service clubs, and grants for clubs like yours. Everything links to the page we found it on. Write to several at once; small yeses add up.
Pick your school in step 1 and we can search for funders near you. You can still add funders by hand below.
- Your list is empty. Search above, or add a funder you already know about.
Grants worth a look for robotics clubs
- FIRST team grants Varies, often $500โ$5,000 ยท Registered FIRST teams (the coach applies)Dozens of sponsor grants in one list. Several are open through December; many want a mentor from the sponsor company or a site nearby.
- NASA Robotics Alliance Project grants Covers your first FRC event registration ยท Rookie and second-year FRC teamsThis year's round closed Sept 30; the next usually opens around September.
- Gene Haas Foundation Student competition teamsFunds machining and manufacturing education, including robotics teams.
- SWENext club grants Registered SWENext clubsFrom the Society of Women Engineers. Register your club as a SWENext club (free) to apply; microgrants are open September to March.
Deadlines change every year: check the program's page before you write. Most grants want the school or your advisor to apply, so bring them the link.
Grants worth a look for coding or computer science clubs
- Toshiba America Foundation Up to $5,000 ยท Grade 6โ12 STEM teachersRolling for requests up to $5,000. Your advisor applies for a project the club runs.
- SWENext club grants Registered SWENext clubsFrom the Society of Women Engineers. Register your club as a SWENext club (free) to apply; microgrants are open September to March.
- DonorsChoose Crowdfunded ยท Public school teachersYour advisor posts a project for the equipment; anyone can chip in.
Deadlines change every year: check the program's page before you write. Most grants want the school or your advisor to apply, so bring them the link.
Grants worth a look for science Olympiad or research clubs
- Toshiba America Foundation Up to $5,000 ยท Grade 6โ12 STEM teachersRolling for requests up to $5,000. Your advisor applies for a project the club runs.
- AIAA Foundation Classroom Grants Up to $500 ยท Kโ12 teachers (free AIAA educator membership)Needs an aerospace connection: rockets, drones, flight. Applications open late summer.
- ACS-Hach High School Chemistry Grant High school chemistry teachersApplications usually open in the spring.
- SWENext club grants Registered SWENext clubsFrom the Society of Women Engineers; microgrants are open September to March.
Deadlines change every year: check the program's page before you write. Most grants want the school or your advisor to apply, so bring them the link.
Grants worth a look for debate, Model UN or mock trial clubs
- NSDA program grants Up to a full school membership, plus travel help ยท SchoolsThe National Speech & Debate Association helps new and under-resourced programs with membership, and runs funds for tournament travel and nationals.
- Urban Debate Leagues Free coaching, tournaments and materials ยท Schools in league citiesNot a grant, but if your city has a league, it covers much of what a team costs.
Deadlines change every year: check the program's page before you write. Most grants want the school or your advisor to apply, so bring them the link.
Grants worth a look for art, theater or film clubs
- DonorsChoose Crowdfunded ยท Public school teachersYour advisor posts a project for supplies or equipment; anyone can chip in.
- NEA Foundation Student Success Grants Up to $5,000 ยท Educators who are NEA membersApplications June to September.
Deadlines change every year: check the program's page before you write. Most grants want the school or your advisor to apply, so bring them the link.
Grants worth a look for music clubs
- The Mockingbird Foundation $100โ$10,000 ยท Schools and nonprofits (school-based programs qualify)Funds music education. A short online inquiry comes first, due January 15.
- Save The Music Foundation Instruments and equipment ยท School districtsWorks with whole districts, so it's a conversation for your music teacher and district.
- DonorsChoose Crowdfunded ยท Public school teachersYour advisor posts a project for instruments or gear; anyone can chip in.
Deadlines change every year: check the program's page before you write. Most grants want the school or your advisor to apply, so bring them the link.
Don't skip your community foundation. Almost every county has one: a local charity that pools donations into funds for the area, often including youth or teacher mini-grants that schools can apply for. It's often the most winnable local funder. Find yours, then ask: do you have a youth or education fund, and can our school apply for a club project?
C Everyone else
Foundations and grant programs โ a short letter of inquiry
Dear [foundation name] team, I'm a student at [school name] in [your city]. With our faculty advisor, [advisor's name], I'm leading the [club name] ([#] students). I think our club fits what you fund. We're asking for $650 to cover supplies, snacks for meetings, and an event or field trip. The one-page proposal is attached. Is this something you could consider? If there's an application, could you send it, and tell us whether it should come from our school or our advisor? Thank you, [your name] [school name]
Local businesses โ a sponsorship request
Hi [business name] team, I'm a student at [school name] in [your city], and I lead the [club name], [#] students. We're looking for local sponsors to cover $650 for supplies, snacks for meetings, and an event or field trip. Sponsors get their logo on our shirts, a thank-you in the school newsletter, and a report at the end of the year. Any amount helps. The one-page proposal is attached. Could I come by or call for five minutes to tell you more? Thank you, [your name] [school name]
Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis โ five minutes at their next meeting
Dear [club name] members, I'm a student at [school name] and I lead the [club name]. Could I have five minutes at an upcoming meeting to tell you about what we're building and ask for your support? We need $650 for supplies, snacks for meetings, and an event or field trip, and we're also looking for members who'd share their experience with our students. The proposal is attached. Thank you, [your name] [school name]
The best clubs have adults around who are experts in the subject. Look for one-time speakers and long term mentors. Run a search to add ten people near [your city] whose work is relevant to the [club name].
Adults who'll be with students more than once may need your district's volunteer background check. Ask your advisor for help.
The invite email
Email โ Would you visit the [club name] at [school name]?
Hi [name], I'm a student at [school name] in [your city], and I lead the [club name] ([#] students, advised by [advisor's name]). I came across [how you found them: a teacher, an article, their website], and with your work in [what they do], I think our members would learn a lot from you. Would you be up for one of these? - Visiting a meeting for 30 minutes to talk about your work and how you got there - Mentoring our members a few times this year - Hosting a short visit to your workplace We meet [when and where]. Happy to work around your schedule. Thank you, [your name] [school name]
In many states, legislators can set aside a small amount of the state budget for projects in their district: a park, a library, a school program. It goes by different names (earmarks, member items, community project funding, district grants), and a few thousand dollars for a student team is the kind of request they like, because it's cheap and it makes for a good photo op.
- Start early. Requests are usually due months before the budget passes, often in the winter or early spring.
- Bring your district along. The money almost always goes to a public body or a nonprofit, like your school district or education foundation, not to a club directly. Ask your principal or advisor who at the district would receive it.
- Keep it small and specific. Your budget from step 2 is the request. One page, the number, what it buys, how many students.
- Invite them. A visit to a meeting or a competition is how a senator remembers your club next year.
Pick your school in step 1 and we'll look up your state senator. Or find yours by address (your school's address works).
Email โ A [school name] student asking for help funding the [club name]
Dear Senator [last name], I'm a student at [school name] in [your city], in your district. I lead the [club name], [#] students with [advisor's name] as our advisor. Federal data shows students in school activities were far more likely to have no unexcused absences (50% vs 36%) and a B average or better (31% vs 11%). (National Center for Education Statistics: https://nces.ed.gov/pubs95/web/95741.asp) We're raising $650 for supplies, snacks for meetings, and an event or field trip. Would you consider requesting a small amount in the state budget for it, through our school district or our education foundation? I've attached our one-page proposal. I'd love 15 minutes with you or your staff, at your district office or on a call, and you're welcome to visit a meeting. Thank you, [your name] [school name]
Calling their office โ thirty seconds with a staffer
Hi, I'm [your name], a student at [school name]. I lead the [club name]: [#] students. We're raising $650 for supplies, snacks for meetings, and an event or field trip. Could the senator request a small amount for it in the state budget, through our school district? Who on the staff handles budget requests, and when are they due?
Want help getting your club funded?
In a free Doorstop Session, we work through it with you:
- Tighten your proposal and your $650 budget until it's an easy yes
- Pick the three funders most likely to give, and write to them together
- Rehearse the call to your state senator's office
- Line up the speakers and mentors who make your club great
Rather write first? Send this and a person will reply.
Email โ Student at [school name] โ help funding the [club name]
Hi Ben, I'm a student at [school name], and I'm raising money for the [club name]. I need help with [the budget / the proposal / finding funders / my state senator / something else]. So far I've [what you've already done]. Thanks, [your name]