UW SparkTank Awards $165,000 to Local Nonprofits, Introduces People’s Choice Award

The University of Wyoming Ethics Club’s SparkTank competition awarded $165,000 to local nonprofit organizations committed to making a difference in the Laramie community.

Top winners from the recent event were:

-- Laramie Connections captured the top prize, securing a $42,500 grant and winning the inaugural People's Choice Award, earning an additional $5,000.

-- Ark Regional Services earned second place with a $40,000 grant.

-- Climb Wyoming and Downtown Clinic tied for third, each receiving $38,750.

A Celebration of Ethical Leadership and Community Impact

“The caliber of the presentations and the passion these organizations demonstrated were truly inspiring,” says Kent Noble, UW Ethics Club adviser in the UW College of Business. “SparkTank highlights the transformative work being done in our community.”

Sarah Drewry, president of the UW Ethics Club from Lander, emphasizes the event’s broader impact.

“SparkTank showcases the power of ethical leadership and collaboration,” Drewry says. “It is rewarding to see our university and community come together to support these nonprofits.”

The introduction of the People’s Choice Award added an exciting new dynamic to the event, says Shane Dawson, a UW Ethics Club officer from Lander.

“It gave our audience a voice and brought even more energy to an already electric event,” Dawson says. “We are incredibly proud of all the finalists.”

Stellar Fundraising Effort

This year’s event was made possible through the efforts of Molly Burchett’s College of Business sales seminar students. Burchett is a UW Department of Management and Marketing assistant professor.

In just 10 weeks, 38 students made 1,470 outreach attempts; conducted 541 sales calls or meetings; and closed 295 deals. Their combined efforts raised nearly $105,000 toward SparkTank’s funding goals.

“I am incredibly proud of my sales seminar students,” Burchett says. “Their grit, teamwork and passion not only benefited our community, but also demonstrated the power of values-driven leadership in action.”

A Tradition of Service

Since its founding in 2018, SparkTank has contributed nearly three-quarters of a million dollars to local nonprofits, “underscoring its profound and lasting impact on the Laramie community,” Noble says.

The $743,000 of SparkTank funds to local nonprofits has created a multiplier effect throughout Albany County’s economy. According to the Center for Business and Economic Development in the UW College of Business, the money generated indirect business-to-business spending and induced household spending from labor income.

When combined with the direct funding from SparkTank, the total economic impact was $3,221,281 of economic output; $1,416,955 of value added, such as contribution to local gross domestic product; $1,114,598 of labor income; and 30 new jobs.

For more information about SparkTank and the UW Ethics Club, email Noble at knoble@uwyo.edu