Nonprofits urged to ‘pitch their big idea’ for a share of $40,000 from SparkTank
All 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations based in Natrona County are urged to apply to Casper College’s SparkTank 2026 for a share of $40,000. Applications are due by Friday, Feb. 27.
How Natrona County Nonprofits Can Apply for Grassroots Funding
The competition is open to any 501(c)(3) organization based in Natrona County. According to Rachel Chadderdon, dean of the Casper College School of Business and Industry, SparkTank’s funding model prioritizes grassroots organizations that operate at the heart of their communities, including small social ventures that address underserved community needs.
Each nonprofit must submit its proposed community service project and include a link to a video pitch no longer than four minutes that explains why SparkTank should support it.
Application Requirements and Key Competition Dates
Criteria will include a clear purpose that serves a community benefit in Natrona County, clear and specific information about the use of funds requested from SparkTank, a clear description of why the person applying and their team are best suited to accomplish the proposed project, and a clear ask for a specific amount of funding desired to support the proposed project. There is no entry fee for the competition.
The vetting of video submissions will be completed by March 9. Site visits and vetting for each finalist will take place between March 10 and 27. All finalists will be notified on April 1. Those finalists will then participate in the Finalist Pitch Night at Casper College on Friday, April 10.
Casper College’s SparkTank connects students with local nonprofits, building meaningful partnerships that strengthen our region and offers students an unmatched, real-world learning experience that goes beyond the classroom.
SparkTank 2026 Event Schedule:
- Application Deadline: Friday, Feb. 27
- Video Vetting Completed: By March 9
- Finalist Site Visits: March 10-27
- Finalist Notification: April 1
- Finalist Pitch Night: Friday, April 10, at Casper College
During the Finalist Pitch Night, judges will announce the winning nonprofits and award the grant proceeds at the conclusion of the event. For further details, please visit the official SparkTank 2026 application page.