In order to finance a FIRST team, a large sum of capital needs to be invested. By investing, companies help to spread the word about FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition for Science and Technology). Sponsorship both encourages teams to get started, and also to stay active. In order to encourage sponsorship, team 578 gets out into the community ad stays active. By getting out there and talking about FIRST, companies are exposed to the FIRST attitude and way of life.