SparkTank 2026 Awards More Than $186,000 to Local Nonprofits

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     SparkTank 2026, a student-led philanthropic initiative at the University of Wyoming, awarded more than $186,000 to four local nonprofit organizations during its annual community engagement event.

 

     “SparkTank is about students leading with purpose,” said Kent Noble, faculty adviser for the UW Ethics Club and Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative Service Chair. “They’re not just raising funds, they’re learning how to make thoughtful, principled decisions that create real impact in their community.”

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     Hosted by the University of Wyoming Ethics Club and Selling for Impact students, with support from the UW Center for Principle-Based Leadership & Ethics, the Center for Professional Selling, and the United Way of Albany County, SparkTank brings together students, community members, and nonprofit leaders to address critical needs across the community.

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     The impact of this year’s event was amplified by $75,000 in matching funds generously provided by the Hughes Charitable Foundation, John P. Ellbogen Foundation, Scarlett Family Foundation, and Scott and Heather Neu.

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     SAFE Project, a facility supporting women in crisis, was named the top recipient, earning $50,000 in funding, along with the People’s Choice Award of $6,700, presented in partnership with the United Way of Albany County.

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     “SparkTank gives organizations like ours a powerful platform to share our mission and connect with the community,” said Amy Haefner, executive director of SAFE Project. “This funding will have a direct and meaningful impact as we continue to serve survivors and provide the safety and support they deserve.”

 

     Tele-Hope, which works to prevent youth suicide, received $46,000. The funding will support efforts to expand access to mental health resources and crisis intervention services for youth in Albany County.

 

     “SparkTank continues to raise the bar, and the impact on our community is real,” said Ralph Fawaz, founder and president of Tele-Hope. “This support allows us to reach more students and strengthen programs that are making a difference.”

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     Albany County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue received $44,000, and LoveTrades Foundation received $40,000 to support technical education students facing crisis and food insecurity.

 

     Each organization identified a critical need, and the funds awarded will directly support those initiatives.

Students in the UW Ethics Club conducted comprehensive due diligence on each finalist, including site visits, an on-campus Q&A session, and verification of Better Business Bureau (BBB) Charity Accreditation. Public presentations served as the final step in the evaluation process.

 

     “This experience pushed me outside my comfort zone in the best way,” said Haley Werth, a student in the Selling for Impact program. “Knowing that the funds we raised would directly help people made every conversation worth it.”

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     “SparkTank gives students the opportunity to apply ethical, purpose-driven selling in a real-world setting,” said Dr. Molly Burchett, Smyrnios Family Sales Professor and faculty adviser for the UW Sales Club. “The growth we see in them—and the impact they create—is remarkable.”

 

     “SparkTank is one of the most meaningful experiences available to students at the University of Wyoming,” said Owen Fink, president of the UW Ethics Club. “It shows what’s possible when you combine leadership, service, and community.”

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     Since its inception in 2018, SparkTank has awarded nearly $930,000 to Albany County nonprofits, approaching $1 million in total community impact.

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     SparkTank provides students with hands-on experience in philanthropy, leadership, and ethical decision-making while creating meaningful, lasting impact throughout the community.

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For more information, contact Kent Noble at knoble@uwyo.edu.