Seven nonprofit finalists win at 2026 SparkTank competition

The official programmatic logo for Casper College’s annual SparkTank competition, which concluded its 2026 cycle by awarding an expanded pool of $46,300 to seven regional nonprofit organizations. (Casper College image)

Casper College’s SparkTank project selected seven nonprofit organizations as finalists to compete for funding from a $46,300 prize.

Following the presentations, the panel of judges decided to award money to all seven groups. Allied Angels was awarded $4,500, Interfaith was awarded $7,000, the Iris Club House was awarded $6,000, Olivia Caldwell was awarded $7,000, Patriot Express Honor Trips was awarded $11,300, Project Kenny was awarded $3,000, and the Self Help Center received $7,500.

Twenty nonprofit organizations based in Natrona County applied to compete for the prize money. The seven finalists presented their cases to a panel of student judges from the Casper College Economics Club.

The students used a needs-based evaluation system to make their final decisions. Casper College’s SparkTank awarded a total of $15,000 last year. Thanks to the fundraising efforts of students and donors, that amount more than tripled to $46,300.

This year’s panel of student judges was composed of Emily Fox, Joey Tholl, Susan Noah, Ann Weinel, and Tat’e Wise.

Donors to this year’s Casper College SparkTank included JR Boyles, Lee Harns, the Belcher Family Fund, Sally and Jim Belcher, Pat’s Peaches and Produce, John and Judy Bailey, David and Rachel Chadderdon, Cliff and Sue Knesel, and Katie McMillan.

Sponsors of the program included the John P. Ellbogen Foundation, the Natrona Collective Health Trust, the Wyoming Community Foundation, the Casper College School of Business and Industry, the Casper College Foundation and Alumni Association, and Casper College.

The Casper College SparkTank program was designed to help students learn and apply the philanthropic process while benefiting local nonprofits.

The 2027 SparkTank is in the planning stages, and more information will be released in the fall. Those wishing to learn more about SparkTank or help the program grow and thrive with a donation can visit here.

At a Glance:

• Event Focus: Distribution of $46,300 in philanthropic funding to seven local nonprofit finalists following a needs-based evaluation.
• Judges: Five student members of the Casper College Economics Club: Emily Fox, Joey Tholl, Susan Noah, Ann Weinel, and Tat’e Wise.
• Winning Nonprofits: Allied Angels, $4,500; Interfaith, $7,000; Iris Club House, $6,000; Olivia Caldwell, $7,000; Patriot Express Honor Trips, $11,300; Project Kenny, $3,000; and the Self Help Center, $7,500.