UW Ethics Club and United Way Launch SparkTank 2026 to Fund Local Nonprofits

The University of Wyoming’s Ethics Club has formed a new partnership with United Way of Albany County for SparkTank 2026, a high-impact, community-engagement initiative from the College of Business that provides funding to local nonprofit organizations.

This collaboration will help identify and elevate nonprofit organizations meeting essential needs across Albany County. As part of this year’s effort, up to three SparkTank 2026 finalists may be selected from United Way’s community partners, deepening SparkTank’s roots in the local service network.

“United Way of Albany County is thrilled to partner with UW’s Ethics Club for SparkTank 2026,” says Anna Cramer, executive director of United Way of Albany County. “This initiative celebrates what’s possible when students, faculty and community leaders come together to support grassroots nonprofits. Many of our partner agencies are doing extraordinary work to meet basic needs in Albany County, and we’re excited to help spotlight those efforts through SparkTank.”

“By aligning with a trusted community entity like United Way, we believe SparkTank will reach even more high-impact organizations doing essential work,” says Kent Noble, faculty adviser to the Ethics Club and Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative service chair at UW’s College of Business.

All Albany County-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on essential needs -- including food, shelter, safety and clothing -- are encouraged to participate. Nonprofits that received SparkTank funding in 2025 -- Laramie Connections, Ark Regional Services, Climb Wyoming and the Downtown Clinic -- are not eligible this cycle.

Each submission should focus on a specific, high-impact project the organization hopes to implement with SparkTank funding. Both self-nominations and nominations from community members are welcomed. Nonprofits outside the United Way network also are encouraged to apply.

Nominations must include a video of three and a half minutes or less explaining the nonprofit’s purpose and proposed project. Videos should be submitted via YouTube or Vimeo link to either Noble at knoble@uwyo.edu or Cramer at anna.cramer@unitedwayalbanycounty.org. The deadline is Friday, Nov. 14, at 5 p.m.

Submitted videos will be evaluated by UW Ethics Club students based on criteria that include:

-- The nonprofit’s mission and proposed use of SparkTank funding are clear.

-- The project has strong potential for positive community impact.

-- Alignment with values such as integrity, trust, accountability, transparency, fairness, respect, rule of law and viability.

-- Willingness to participate in a practice pitch session.

-- Commitment to completing the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Charity Accreditation Review Program, with support provided.

SparkTank 2026 finalists will be announced by Friday, Dec. 12. Finalists then will participate in site visits and on-campus question-and-answer sessions, along with the BBB’s charity accreditation process, as part of the Ethics Club’s due diligence process.

SparkTank 2026 will be held Wednesday, April 29, at UW’s Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center. Finalists will present their proposals in a Shark Tank-style competition, with funding provided by UW’s Ethics Club and sales seminar students.

According to UW’s Center for Business and Economic Analysis, the $743,000 in total SparkTank funding to date has generated: $3.22 million in total economic output; $1.42 million in value added to the local economy; $1.1 million in labor income; and 30 new jobs created.

For additional information or to submit a nomination, email knoble@uwyo.edu or anna.cramer@unitedwayalbanycounty.org.