Spark Tank Live!

Bold Ideas. Upstream Solutions. Stronger Futures.

Spark Tank Live is more than a pitch competition—it's an investment in the future of Reno County.

As part of United Way of Reno County's BOLD Goal to reduce the number of ALICE and poverty households by 5% over the next five years, Spark Tank Live showcases innovative nonprofit programs that address the root causes of financial instability and create lasting change.

On event night, four finalist organizations will pitch their solutions live as community members, sponsors, and judges invest in ideas that help more families thrive.

Thursday, October 24, 2026

1861 Club | 212 Cottwonwood Ave, Hutchinson, KS

4:30PM - VIP Mingle with Non-Profit Finalists

Doors Open at 5PM, Pitches at 6:30PM, Dessert Reception at 8:30PM

Get Your Seat Now!

Why Spark Tank?

Nearly 41% of Reno County households are living in poverty or are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). These are hardworking families who earn too much to qualify for assistance but struggle to afford life's basics.

Reducing that number will take more than emergency assistance—it requires innovative, upstream solutions that remove barriers, strengthen families, and create pathways to long-term stability.

That's why Spark Tank exists.

Looking Back: 2025 Spark Tank Live!

View All Photos from 2025 Spark Tank Live!

For Applicants

Think Your Program Can Move the Needle?

Spark Tank Live is open to eligible nonprofit organizations serving Reno County that are creating innovative solutions to help families build lasting stability.

Finalists will:

Pitch their program live
Receive community exposure
Compete for funding
Build new partnerships
Help advance Reno County's BOLD Goal

Quesitons? Please call or email Lacey Mills at (620) 669-9329 or lmills@uwrenocounty.org.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, organizations must:

Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Reno County
Operate a program that aligns with one of United Way's four focus areas
Demonstrate how the program supports ALICE households or reduces barriers to long-term financial stability
Show measurable outcomes and community impact

For current United Way-funded partners, Spark Tank proposals must be for programs that are not currently funded through United Way allocations.

Spark Tank Live finalists will compete for funding to expand innovative, upstream solutions that help move Reno County toward our BOLD Goal. In addition to financial support, finalists gain valuable exposure, community connections, and the opportunity to share their work with local leaders, businesses, and donors.

2026 Funding Awards

🥇 First Place: $10,000

🥈 Second Place: $7,500

🥉 Third Place: $5,000

⭐ Fourth Finalist: $2,500

Every finalist also receives:

The opportunity to pitch live before community leaders, sponsors, and donors.
Increased visibility for your organization and program.
New connections with potential volunteers, partners, and supporters.
A platform to showcase innovative solutions that create lasting change for ALICE households.

Why Apply?

Spark Tank Live is more than a funding opportunity—it's a chance to accelerate an innovative idea that can create lasting change for families in Reno County.

By applying, your organization can:

Compete for funding to launch, expand, or strengthen an upstream program.
Showcase your work before community leaders, donors, businesses, and supporters.
Increase awareness of your organization's impact and mission.
Build new partnerships that strengthen your work and expand your reach.
Advance innovative solutions that help reduce the number of ALICE and poverty households in Reno County.
Be part of a community-wide movement working toward United Way's BOLD Goal of reducing ALICE and poverty by 5% over the next five years.

Together, we can invest in bold ideas that create stronger families, greater financial stability, and a more resilient Reno County.

Ready to Share Your Vision and Take the Stage at Spark Tank Live?

If your organization is developing innovative, upstream solutions that help ALICE families build long-term stability, we encourage you to apply. Spark Tank Live is your opportunity to showcase your work, connect with community leaders, and compete for funding that can help expand your impact.

Important Dates

August 3rd – Applications Open

September 3rd – Applications Close

September 30th – Final Four Programs Announced

October 24th – Spark Tank Live

Think your program can help move Reno County toward our BOLD Goal of reducing ALICE and poverty by 5% over the next five years? We'd love to hear your story.

Complete your application below to be considered.

Questions about the application process or your program's eligibility? Contact United Way of Reno County at (620) 669-9329. We're happy to help.

Let's invest in bold ideas that create lasting change. Apply today!

Spark Tank Live! Application

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Spark Tank Live is made possible by the generous businesses, organizations, and individuals who believe bold ideas can create lasting change.

Your investment empowers local nonprofits to develop innovative, upstream solutions that strengthen families, reduce barriers, and help move Reno County toward our BOLD Goal of reducing ALICE and poverty by 5% over the next five years.

Thank you for partnering with United Way of Reno County to champion innovation, collaboration, and a stronger future for our community.

Presenting Sponsor

Ignition Sponsor

Spark Sponsor

Become a Sponsor

When you sponsor Spark Tank Live, you're investing in more than an event—you're investing in innovative solutions that help families build lasting stability and move Reno County closer to our BOLD Goal of reducing ALICE and poverty by 5% over the next five years.

Your sponsorship helps identify, elevate, and fund nonprofit programs that address the root causes of financial instability through creative, upstream solutions. Together, we're empowering organizations to think boldly, collaborate strategically, and create meaningful, measurable impact for our community.

As a Spark Tank Live sponsor, you'll receive valuable recognition before, during, and after the event while demonstrating your commitment to strengthening Reno County. Most importantly, your investment helps turn bold ideas into real solutions for local families.

Join us in creating lasting change—because when innovative ideas have the resources to grow, our entire community benefits.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Carla Stanfield at (620) 669-9329 or cstanfield@uwrenocounty.org.