MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
United Way of Reno County is bringing back its Spark Tank live pitch competition for a second year, giving local nonprofit programs an opportunity to compete for thousands of dollars in funding while highlighting efforts to help Reno County families achieve greater financial stability.
Carla Stanfield, communications and marketing director for United Way of Reno County, said Spark Tank is modeled after the television show “Shark Tank,” but instead of businesses pitching products or ideas to investors, nonprofit organizations present programs designed to benefit the community.
“This is the second time we are hosting this live pitch competition to earn funding from United Way of Reno County,” Stanfield said. “Think Shark Tank live pitches from nonprofit programs, but it’s socially good.”
The competition was well received during its inaugural year and also provided exposure for organizations and programs that some residents may not have previously known about.
Last year, the Food Bank of Reno County won the $10,000 top prize, providing a boost as the organization worked toward its new facility. Milestone Clubhouse finished second, Wisdom in Motion placed third and Rise Up Reno received the fourth-place award.
This year's competition will place additional emphasis on programs serving ALICE households. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed and describes households earning more than the federal poverty level but still struggling to afford basic necessities.
Stanfield said 41% of Reno County's population falls within the ALICE threshold or below.
“We really are asking our partners in community nonprofit programs to show us how they're making a difference for those folks that are falling in that ALICE threshold and below,” Stanfield said. “That's going to be the real focus this year of Spark Tank.”
Spark Tank will be held Saturday, Oct. 24, at the 1861 Club on the Kansas State Fairgrounds.
Four finalists will make live pitches before a judging panel. First place will receive $10,000, followed by $7,500 for second place, $5,000 for third and $2,500 for fourth. Audience members will also select a People's Choice Award winner, which comes with an additional $1,500.
That means every nonprofit selected as a finalist is guaranteed funding.
Applications are open to 501(c)(3) nonprofit programs operating in Reno County that align with at least one of United Way's four areas of focus: healthy community, youth opportunity, financial security or community resiliency.
Applications are due Aug. 28. A community panel of volunteers will review the submissions and narrow the field to four finalists, which are expected to be announced toward the end of September.
United Way is also continuing to seek sponsors for the event. ProValue Insurance is returning as presenting sponsor, while Hutchinson Clinic is serving as the illuminating sponsor. First National Bank, Kraft Electric and O2 Box Midwest are also returning as Spark sponsors.
Stanfield said sponsorship dollars help make the grants awarded to nonprofits possible.
The competition is funded separately from United Way's traditional annual campaign allocations, allowing the organization to expand its reach to programs that may not receive funding from United Way year after year.
Stanfield said Spark Tank also creates opportunities for nonprofits, businesses and other community partners to build connections that can continue beyond the competition.
United Way's annual campaign is also approaching, with some school districts and business partners already beginning their campaigns ahead of the official September kickoff.