The University of Wyoming announced on May 7 that its student-led SparkTank initiative awarded more than $186,000 to four local nonprofit organizations during an event held at the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center on April 29.
SparkTank is organized by the UW Ethics Club and Selling for Impact students, with support from the UW Center for Principle-Based Leadership and Ethics, the Center for Professional Selling, and the United Way of Albany County. The event aims to connect students with community members and nonprofit leaders to address critical needs in Albany County.
This year’s top recipient was SAFE Project, a facility supporting women in crisis, which received $50,000 as well as a People’s Choice Award of $6,700 presented in partnership with United Way of Albany County. Tele-Hope was awarded $46,000 to expand youth mental health resources and crisis intervention services. The Albany County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue received $44,000. The LoveTrades Foundation was given $40,000 to support technical education students facing crisis and food insecurity.
Matching funds totaling $75,000 were provided by several foundations including Hughes Charitable Foundation, John P. Ellbogen Foundation, Scarlett Family Foundation, and Scott and Heather Neu.
“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.” Amy Haefner, executive director of SAFE Project said: “SparkTank gives organizations like ours a powerful platform to share our mission and connect with the community. This funding will have a direct and meaningful impact as we continue to serve survivors and provide the safety and the support they deserve.”
Ralph Fawaz, founder and president of Tele-Hope said: “SparkTank continues to raise the bar, and the impact on our community is real. This support allows us to reach more students and strengthen programs that are making a difference.”
Students conducted due diligence on each finalist through site visits as well as public presentations before awarding funds based on identified needs. Haley Werth from Hays said: “This experience pushed me outside my comfort zone in the best way… Knowing that the funds we raised would directly help people made every conversation worth it.” Molly Burchett described SparkTank as giving “students the opportunity to apply ethical purpose-driven selling in a real-world setting.” Owen Fink added: “It shows what’s possible when you combine leadership service and community.”
Since its inception in 2018 SparkTank has awarded nearly $930 000 approaching one million dollars in total community impact.