Dear Friends & Supporters,

This Giving Tuesday, we want to share why your support means so much to Trial & Error Robotics, FTC Team #10191 — and how it helps us keep robotics accessible, inclusive, and completely cost-free for every student who wants to be part of our team.

Our mission is simple:

Create an inclusive, accessible, cost-free, community-driven team that teaches practical STEAM skills through hands-on robotics.

Because of this mission, families never pay to participate. But behind the scenes, running a successful FIRST Tech Challenge team depends on funding, materials, tools, competition fees, and countless volunteer hours.

What It Really Takes to Run Our Team

Each season includes essential expenses like:

• FIRST Team Registration – $320
• Event Fees – $330+
• Robot Parts & Materials – $1,500+
• Electronics & Batteries – $400+
• Field Tiles & Game Elements – $400–$600
• Tools & Maintenance – $200+
• Team Shirts & Uniforms – $200+
• Notebooks, Binders, Printing – $300+
• Outreach Materials – $150–$300
• Local Travel Needs (snacks, gas, etc.) – $200–$400

Estimated Annual Total: $3,950–$4,500

With 10 students, that’s roughly $395–$450 per student — but families never pay a cent. This wouldn’t be possible without our Community’s support.

How You Can Support Us This Giving Tuesday

Your donations help keep our program free and open to all students, regardless of financial background. Every dollar goes directly toward student learning, hands-on STEAM access, and building a strong community team.

Tax-Deductible Donations

If you would like a tax deduction, donations can be made through the Vicksburg-Warren Chamber of Commerce (our official nonprofit partner). These contributions support our team just the same and are fully tax-deductible.

Please make checks payable to: Vicksburg Chamber of Commerce Community Fund

Memo: Trial and Error Robotics.

Mail Checks to: Vicksburg Chamber of Commerce at 1622 Washington Street, Suite 201 Vicksburg, MS 39180

Non-Tax-Deductible Donations

Non-tax-deductible gifts still make a huge impact. These funds go directly to everyday team needs.

You may give via:

• Cash
• Venmo: @ftc10191

Suggested Giving Levels

• $50 – Helps purchase robot hardware
• $100 – Covers one event registration
• $300 – Sponsors one student for the season
• Any Amount – Truly, every dollar helps

Interested in Becoming a Sponsor?

Businesses or individuals can find full sponsor details here.

Sponsorships help sustain our program and give us the tools to grow year after year.

Thank You for Supporting Community Robotics

We are incredibly grateful for the parents, mentors, volunteers, and supporters who help keep our team running. Your generosity ensures students can explore engineering, coding, teamwork, and leadership — entirely free of financial barriers.

Thank you for helping us keep the gears turning and the robots running! 💛🤖