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 at the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center April 29.
“SparkTank is about students leading with purpose,” says 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.”
Hosted by UW’s 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, SparkTank brings together students, community
members and nonprofit leaders to address critical needs across the community.
Funding was distributed to the following organizations:
-- SAFE Project, a facility supporting women in crisis, was named the top recipient,
earning $50,000, along with the People’s Choice Award of $6,700, presented in partnership
with the United Way of Albany County.
-- 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.
-- Albany County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue received $44,000.
-- The LoveTrades Foundation received $40,000 to support technical education students
facing crisis and food insecurity.
The impact of this year’s event was amplified by $75,000 in matching funds provided
by the Hughes Charitable Foundation, John P. Ellbogen Foundation, Scarlett Family
Foundation, and Scott and Heather Neu.
“SparkTank gives organizations like ours a powerful platform to share our mission
and connect with the community,” says 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 the support they deserve.”
“SparkTank continues to raise the bar, and the impact on our community is real,” says
Ralph Fawaz, founder and president of Tele-Hope. “This support allows us to reach
more students and strengthen programs that are making a difference.”
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 question-and-answer session and verification of
Better Business Bureau 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,” says Haley Werth,
of Hays, Kan., a student in the Selling for Impact program. “Knowing that the funds
we raised would directly help people made every conversation worth it.”
The event gives students a real-world opportunity, says Molly Burchett, Smyrnios Family
Sales Professor and faculty adviser for the UW Sales Club.
“SparkTank gives students the opportunity to apply ethical, purpose-driven selling
in a real-world setting,” says Burchett, also an assistant professor of marketing.
“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,” says Owen Fink, of Powell, who is president of the UW Ethics
Club. “It shows what’s possible when you combine leadership, service and community.”
Since its inception in 2018, SparkTank has awarded nearly $930,000 to Albany County
nonprofits, approaching $1 million in total community impact.
SparkTank provides students with hands-on experience in philanthropy, leadership and
ethical decision-making while creating meaningful, lasting impact throughout the community.
For more information, email Noble at knoble@uwyo.edu.
