Donate
Grandma, a neighbor, a family that wants to give
Open-ended giving. QR code goes to Givebutter.
Season 2026-27 · Updated August 16, 2026
Where we are
Team 11976 Gold Rush is a community FIRST Robotics Competition team and a program of Colma Robotics Foundation. The organization is in place.
- Idea
- Foundation
- Community We are here
- Preseason
- Kickoff
- Build
- Compete
Latest
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We're at community
The foundation is in place and now we're building everything around the team — sponsors, mentors, workspace, tools, materials, and connections. We don't need to have the whole season funded before we can start. Every useful resource gives us something we can do next.
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The organization is in place
Colma Robotics Foundation is a 501(c)(3). FIRST assigned us Team 11976. Both sites, Crowded, and Givebutter are live, and grant applications are already in.
Already in place
- Colma Robotics Foundation. We're an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
- Team 11976 — Gold Rush. FIRST assigned us our team number. Gold Rush is officially an FRC team.
- The pipes work. The foundation site, team site, Crowded, and Givebutter are live. Donations can be accepted online now.
- Outreach has started. We're already reaching out to companies, local businesses, community organizations, government, schools, shops, and potential partners.
- Grant applications are going out. BAE Systems, Kars4Kids, Gene Haas Foundation Submitted
Working on now
- Sponsors + funding. Keep applying for grants and turning company outreach into actual conversations.
- Workspace. Find somewhere we can meet, build, work, store equipment, and survive build season.
- Mentors. People who can help students learn mechanical, CAD, electrical, programming, controls, fabrication, machining, or business / outreach.
- Tools + materials. Build the equipment and material inventory we actually need.
- Preseason. Get students learning, experimenting, and building before January — CAD, wiring, programming, fabrication, mechanical, safety, controls, practice projects.
What Gold Rush can become
Students
What do you want to learn, build, or try?
- Mechanical
- CAD
- Programming
- Electrical
- Strategy / scouting
- Drive team / pit crew
- Business / outreach
- Media
- Not sure yet — try everything
Parents
Where would you like to help?
- Technical mentoring
- Fundraising / sponsors
- Company introductions
- Workspace / facilities
- Tools / materials
- Transportation / logistics
- Food / build-season support
- Community outreach
- Whatever needs doing
What we need right now
What could actually help the team today?
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Share a company lead
Sponsorship introductions
Know a company that supports STEM, education, engineering, youth programs, or its local community?
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Tell us about a space
Workspace leads
Know somewhere the team might be able to meet, build, and store equipment?
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Introduce a mentor
Technical mentors
Mechanical, CAD, electrical, programming, controls, fabrication, or machining — occasional help still counts.
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Offer tools or materials
Tools + materials
Have tools, materials, components, equipment, or fabrication resources that might help? Please check with us before buying anything. FRC has specific equipment needs, and we may already have an item, a preferred system, or another source.
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Donate
Donations
Family, friends, neighbors, and community supporters can give directly through Givebutter.
Have a lead?
Know a company, engineer, shop, workspace, community organization, or someone who might help? That's exactly what we're looking for.
Warm introductions are especially helpful. Already planning to reach out? Check with us first so we can coordinate and avoid contacting the same person twice.
One-pagers
If you want to talk to a neighbor, a shop, or grandma, take the sheet that matches the conversation. Light is for a printer. Dark is for email and screens.
Sponsor
A business that can write a check
Cash tiers and planned recognition. QR code goes to the sponsor page.
Partner
A shop, a space, tools, or an introduction
Non-cash help. QR code goes to the partner page.
QR codes open Givebutter, /sponsor/, or /partner/. Checks are payable to Colma Robotics Foundation.
Quick answers
Where can friends and family donate?
Givebutter. Any amount is welcome, and donations go to Colma Robotics Foundation to support Team 11976 — Gold Rush.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Colma Robotics Foundation is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN 42-3757637), effective July 9, 2026. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Donors should consult a tax advisor with questions about their individual circumstances.
Can my employer match my donation?
Many employers match charitable gifts. Search for Colma Robotics Foundation in your employer's matching-gift program, or ask your HR team if matching is available. We're happy to provide any documentation they need.
I know a company that might sponsor us. What should I do?
Share the lead with us first. Warm introductions are especially helpful, and coordinating outreach helps us avoid contacting the same company twice.
Can I print something to give a business?
Yes. Use the Sponsor sheet for businesses interested in financially supporting the team, and the Partner sheet for organizations that may be able to help with workspace, tools, materials, expertise, or other resources.
Can someone donate tools or materials?
Yes — please check with us first. We want to make sure donated equipment and materials are something the team can use and that we don't already have another source lined up.
I know an engineer who might want to help. Is that useful?
Absolutely. Experience with mechanical design, CAD, electrical, programming, controls, fabrication, or machining can all be helpful — even if they can only volunteer occasionally.
Where will the team build?
We're actively looking for workspace and exploring several possibilities, but we don't have a permanent shop confirmed yet.
How can I help if I know nothing about robotics?
Plenty of ways: fundraising, company introductions, food, transportation, logistics, photography, community outreach, workspace leads, or just helping wherever it's needed.
Ways to help
Still need something?
Didn't find what you need? Email hello@colmaroboticsfoundation.org. Questions are always welcome.