SPARK TANK LIVE!
Big Ideas. Bold Solutions. Real Impact.
Welcome to Spark Tank Live! — a high-energy event where local nonprofits take center stage to pitch creative solutions to the most pressing challenges in our community. Rooted in United Way of Reno County’s focus areas—health, education, financial stability, and basic needs—this event fuels innovation and drives change by connecting great ideas with critical funding.
Leading up to the event, a panel of community judges reviews all applications and selects four finalist organizations to present live. On event night, these nonprofits will share their bold ideas in front of a new panel of judges and a live audience. Winners will receive funding to bring their projects to life and deepen their impact in Reno County.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of creativity, collaboration, and community spirit.
Thursday, September 25, 2025
1861 Club
5:00PM - Doors Open
6:00PM - Pitches Begin
8:30PM - Dessert Reception
Submit Your Program for Spark Tank
Are you leading a program that’s making a real difference in Reno County? Spark Tank is your opportunity to share your impact, grow your reach, and compete for funding and visibility.
Spark Tank is a unique grant and fundraising event hosted by United Way of Reno County. Selected finalists will pitch their high-impact programs live, in front of a panel and community audience, for a chance to receive funding and support.
Quesitons? Please call or email Valerie Taylor at (620) 669-9329 or vtaylor@uwrenocounty.org.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, your organization must:
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Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit located in Reno County
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Be operating a program that’s been active for at least 18 months
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Address one of United Way’s four core impact areas:
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Healthy Communities
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Youth Opportunity
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Financial Security
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Community Resiliency
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*NOTE: For our United Way agency partners, Spark Tank applications cannot be for current programs that we are funding through United Way allocations.
We’re awarding $26,500 in total funding to help innovative nonprofits bring their bold ideas to life!
Here’s how it breaks down:
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1st Place: $10,000
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2nd Place: $7,500
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3rd Place: $5,000
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4th Place: $2,500
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People’s Choice: $1,500
Why Apply?
Spark Tank is more than a funding opportunity—it’s a platform to:
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Tell your story
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Attract new supporters
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Raise awareness
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Accelerate your program’s growth
Finalists will gain exposure, community engagement, and a chance to secure targeted investments. This initiative is part of our broader mission to expand community funding and direct more resources where they’re needed most.
What’s Next?
Ready to share your impact and take the stage at Spark Tank?
Below are the key dates to guide your submission:
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July 8 – Applications Open
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August 8 – Applications Close
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September 2 – Final Four Programs Announced
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September 25 – Spark Tank Live Event
You can complete your application below!
If you have any questions about the process or want to talk through your program’s eligibility, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly at (620) 669-9329.
Let’s spark something powerful—apply today.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Spark Tank Live wouldn’t be possible without the incredible generosity of our sponsors. Your support fuels innovation, empowers nonprofits, and helps create lasting change right here in Reno County.
We are deeply grateful for your commitment to building a healthier, stronger, and more equitable community.
Become a Sponsor
Your sponsorship will play a crucial role in making a difference in our community. Your investment will directly impact the funding awarded that night*, empowering organizations to implement innovative solutions and address pressing social issues. Together, we can spark meaningful change and uplift our neighbors!
Contact Carla Stanfield at (620) 669-9329 or at cstanfield@uwrenocounty.org for more information!
Presenting Sponsor - SOLD OUT!
Your Sponsorship Includes:
- Featured prominently during day’s event
- Opportunity to Speak at the Event
- Sponsor included in custom videos before and during event
- Promotion on United Way of Reno County Social Media
- Inclusion in News Release for the Event
- Recognition in Email Blasts to our UWRC supporters
- Event Program
- Event Website
- VIP Table of 8 to the Event
Ignition Sponsor - SOLD OUT!
Your Sponsorship Includes:
- Sponsor included in custom videos before and during event
- Promotion on United Way of Reno County Social Media
- Inclusion in News Release for the Event
- Recognition in Email Blasts to our UWRC supporters
- Event Program
- Event Website
- VIP Table of 8 to the Event
Radiant Sponsor - $7,500
Your Sponsorship Includes:
- Promotion on United Way of Reno County Social Media
- Inclusion in News Release for the Event
- Recognition in Email Blasts to our UWRC supporters
- Event Program
- Event Website
- VIP Table of 8 to the Event
Illuminating Sponsor - $5,000
Your Sponsorship Includes:
- Promotion on United Way of Reno County Social Media
- Inclusion in News Release for the Event
- Recognition in Email Blasts to our UWRC supporters
- Event Program
- Event Website
- Table of 8 to the Event
Spark Sponsor - $2,500
Your Sponsorship Includes:
- Inclusion in News Release for the Event
- Recognition in Email Blasts to our UWRC supporters
- Event Program
- Event Website
- Table of 8 to the Event
More to come at a later date!