Our History
In the summer of 2006, Scott Barbeau, Rich Johnson and Dan Marcus took a life-changing trip to Zambia. Upon their return, they founded Spark Ventures (in 2007) with a mission to strengthen and sustain grassroots NGOs helping children and their families living in extreme poverty.
Growth: From Our 2007 Launch to Today
2006
Rich Johnson, Scott Barbeau and Dan Marcus travel to Zambia and meet Charles and Margaret Mumba
2007
Spark Ventures incorporates as a nonprofit. Launch of meal program + clinics in Zambia mark Spark Ventures’ first official ongoing supported programs
2008
First “Partnership Trip” brings Spark Ventures travelers to meet our partners and build connections in-person
Since that first trip, there have been 700+ travelers who
have visited our partner organizations around the globe.
2009
Hope’s campus begins to take shape with construction on The Shelby Goldstein Schoolhouse and dedication of Hope House Orphanage
Hope now serves 450+ students each year.
2017
20 Women’s Entrepreneur Group Members annually
20 at-risk-youth supported by the “Jungle Group” annually
2017
Launch of Preschool at Hope Community School
2018
Purchase of farmland in Zambia allows Hope to launch a vegetable farm
Read more on our blog
25 acres of farmland
2019
Launch of Literacy program at Las Tías in Nicaragua teaching mothers of beneficiaries to read and write
2020
provided 40+ children & teens in-person educational support
during COVID remote learning (+ other supported programs)
2020
The Spark Ventures community steps up to significantly support a COVID Emergency Fund to support urgent needs brought on by the pandemic
2021
Four computer labs launched or expanded to support digital connectivity and expanded learning opportunities
45 new computers for students at our partner organizations
2021
Creation of Spark Inspiration Lab at We Grow Chicago bringing more technology and internet access to West Englewood
2021
Virtual “Zooming with Zambia” program begins providing supplemental education from Spark volunteers.
2022
Spark Ventures Celebrates 15 years of meaningful impact
2024
Installation of solar panels at Hope Community School ensuring reliable, uninterrupted, cost-effective electricity
2025
Grand opening of Healing House on We Grow Chicago’s Peace Campus
