We are so excited to introduce you to our newest team member, Katie Gustafson, taking on the role of Nonprofit Assistant. She joined the team in mid-August and is excited to get to know our one-of-a-kind community and support Spark’s mission. Katie is a recent...
Read More
You've Made Your Mark Every August, we take a moment to thank our community of supporters for making our work possible. On behalf of all of us at Spark Ventures and our partner organizations, we'd like to extend our sincere gratitude for your generous support. Thanks...
Read More
While life seems to be getting back to normal in the U.S., our partners are still dealing with the crushing impact of the pandemic. Developing countries like Zambia, Mexico & Nicaragua and underserved neighborhoods like Englewood on Chicago’s south side, are still experiencing staggering unemployment...
Read More
TODAY A BARBER, TOMORROW...
Read More
The pandemic has disrupted the world in many ways. It has led to a dramatic loss of life and created an unprecedented challenge to public health systems, employment, and food security. Unfortunately, the communities that have been most impacted are also the ones least equipped...
Read MoreDear Spark Community, Over the past month, we shared that there were several confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Hope community in Zambia, and that Charles Mumba, the Executive Director of Hope, was being treated for COVID-19 in the hospital. Today we have wonderful news to share...
Read MoreDear Spark Community, Over the past two weeks, we’ve sent updates to let you know about several confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Hope community in Zambia, one of whom was Charles Mumba, the Executive Director of Hope. Thank you so much for your many messages...
Read MoreDear Spark Community, Last week we sent an update to let you know that there were several confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Hope community in Zambia. Charles Mumba, the Executive Director of Hope, was one of the people who tested positive. Out of respect for...
Read MoreDear Spark Community, Over the last year, it's been our commitment to keep our supporters updated on how the global pandemic is affecting our partners. Thanks to you, our emergency response fund has provided PPE, sanitation supplies, food and additional program support to our international partners....
Read MoreFriends of Spark, This year has created so many challenges for our partners but has also provided opportunities for growth, creative ways to interact, and new ways to stay connected. We find ourselves in a position of reflection and gratitude as we say goodbye to 2020...
Read More
Dan Marcus, along with Scott Barbeau and Rich Johnson traveled to Zambia in the summer of 2006. The trip was nothing short of life-changing and was the spark that inspired Spark Ventures. For over a decade now, Dan has served on the Spark Ventures Board,...
Read More
We are so thrilled to introduce Spark Ventures' new Board member - Vicki Kraft! Vicki is joining our team with a wealth of experience and knowledge from her involvement with an inner-city domestic violence shelter in Kansas City. We are so lucky to have her...
Read More
Our partner in Zambia, Hope Community School, continues to expand their reach to support and empower members of their community. Recently, they started a new community empowerment initiative called "Village Banking". The program is educating and empowering members of the community to understand and attain...
Read More
Back in 2014, Spark Ventures laid the foundation to begin a new agribusiness in the beautiful mountains of Matagalpa, Nicaragua - the El Tuma Farm. Made possible by many generous Spark supporters, the farm has expanded into 170 acres and has employed numerous local workers. The following...
Read More
A message from Spark Ventures' Executive Director, Kristin Schrepferman: Dear Friend of Spark, My thoughts are with all of you, your families, and people around the world who are struggling during these difficult times. Our lives have changed and we face challenges we...
Read More
Each one of Spark's grassroots partners is extremely unique. But no matter the location, the culture, or the environment, there’s one very special thing they all have in common: the people and their desire for a deeper connection to their communities and the world around them. We'd like...
Read More
At this year’s Fall Gala, we honored a very special member of our Spark family with our first ever Global Service Award. This award recognizes individuals whose service to the Spark Ventures community has gone above and beyond in unique and inspiring ways. For the...
Read More
For the past ten years, North Park University has partnered with Spark Ventures and Hope Community School. Every May, North Park students travel to Ndola to facilitate a 3-day health clinic for the students of Hope School. The clinic is meant to assess and treat...
Read More
We are so thrilled to introduce Spark Ventures' new board member - Julie Cook. Julie has been a long-time Spark supporter and events committee member. Check out this interview to learn more about her history with Spark and what she's passionate about: What initially motivated you...
Read More
Since its inception in 2007, Spark Ventures has provided access to resources that were once out of reach and opportunities to children who deserve a chance to reach their full potential. Our sustainable outlook on education is lifting communities out of poverty and changing lives...
Read More