UNITED WAY OF RENO COUNTY
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — United Way Reno County is excited to announce the four local programs that will take the stage at Spark Tank Live, the second annual UWRC event designed to spotlight innovative ideas, showcase impactful programs and provide immediate funding to help fuel the missions of organizations serving Reno County individuals and families.
The 2026 Spark Tank Live finalists are: Clothed in Compassion, Circles Reno County, Foster Adopt Connect and Kitchen Hero Academy.
Each finalist organization will spotlight its program for a live audience, sharing how immediate funding and community support can help move its mission forward. This year, finalists will highlight how their programs support ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households and contribute to UWRC’s bold goal of reducing the current 41% of households living in poverty or experiencing ALICE conditions to 36% over the next five years. The live presentations will also spotlight upstream solutions that address root causes, remove barriers and create pathways to greater stability.
All four finalists will leave the event with funding to fuel their work, as UWRC will provide more than $25,000 to support these local initiatives. The audience will also have a voice, selecting a People’s Choice program to receive an additional $1,500 to support its mission.
Beyond funding, Spark Tank Live provides each organization with increased visibility in the community, opportunities to build connections with potential volunteers and supporters, and a platform to showcase the meaningful work they are doing to strengthen Reno County.
“Spark Tank is about shining a light on the incredible work happening across Reno County and putting resources behind ideas that can make a difference,” said UWRC CEO, Lacey Mills. “We’re excited to give these four organizations an opportunity to showcase their missions, connect with our community and earn funding they can put to work right away.”
Spark Tank Live is made possible through the generous support of businesses that believe in investing in local organizations and the future of Reno County. United Way Reno County thanks the following business partners for their support:
- Presenting Sponsor: ProValue Insurance
- Illuminating Sponsors: Hutchinson Clinic and ONEOK
- Spark Sponsors: BlueCross BlueShield Kansas, First National Bank of Hutchinson, Kraft Electric and O2 Box Midwest
“We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors for helping turn visibility into opportunity and ideas into action,” said Mills. “Their investment makes it possible to put immediate resources into the hands of organizations doing meaningful work in our community.”