Spark Ventures

It was another amazing career day for the 11th and 12th graders at Hope Community School with Scott Barbeau, Co-Founder of Spark Ventures and Founder of UpBeat Music and Arts, two nonprofits in Chicago. Scott is also in an 80's cover band, Sixteen Candles. Scott shared his journey of combining nonprofit work with his passion for music and how it's developed into a career over time. Some of Hope's students share this same passion for music and he encouraged them to seek out other musicians, start a band, and embrace their uniqueness! Thank you so much for visiting Hope virtually on this month's career day, Scott! If you're interested in joining a career day at Hope, please email [email protected]!

Every year, we come together at our spring event to strengthen relationships, spark new connections and contribute to the meaningful work our partners are doing to uplift and empower under-resourced communities around the world. This year we’re celebrating our partners ""Blooming with Possibility""! On April 10th at our Spring Forward event, gather with Spark friends - old and new - for an evening that promises to be unique, inspirational and impactful. For more information and to buy your tickets click the following link! https://lnkd.in/g9fbCbvR

Career Day takes place once a month during our "Zooming with Zambia" sessions. The goal is to provide Hope's older students with information and inspiration about career opportunities. This month, students met with Jason Kuker, an Options Trader and Software Developer at Consolidated Trading LLC, and Andreina Yanes, the Director of Supply & Data Partnerships at Microsoft. The students heard about Jason and Andreina's careers, were eager to ask questions about their professions, and wanted to know how they got to this point in their careers. Thank you, Jason & Andreina and thank you to our wonderful moderator Rich Johnson! If you're interested in sharing your career with the amazing students at Hope, email [email protected].

Take a look at our 2024 Annual Report to see ""Spark by the Numbers"" and the significant impact that was made in our partners' communities thanks to your support! Read highlights on how investing in our partners' work helped uplift and empower individuals in Zambia, Nicaragua, Mexico and Chicago! From meals served, to program participants supported, to staffers empowered, click the following link to see the impact. Be part of our 2025 impact by donating today to Hope's ""Back to School Campaign"" with the link in our bio! https://lnkd.in/gjFvwx5W

DOUBLE YOUR DONATION! Join us in supporting high quality education at Hope Community School in Zambia! Your generous donation will be MATCHED up to $5000 before the end of the month. YOU can create meaningful change: -$10 can support teaching resources for FIVE students ?? -$25 can make a complete school uniform for a student ?? -$50 can provide two months of daily meals for a student ?? -$125 can support 6 months of a high-quality education for a student ?? No matter the amount, your donation will have a direct and meaningful impact in supporting Bright Futures. Click the following link to donate today and be a part of the match! https://lnkd.in/gUg6-y7h

Tickets are now ON SALE for the 2025 Spring Forward! Come wine & dine with us at our annual spring event featuring a delicious buffet, exclusive live auction, inspiring stories from our partners, specially curated raffle baskets, and an afterparty with We Grow Chicago's very own, DJ Cymba spinning tracks! Buy your tickets today at the following link! https://lnkd.in/g9fbCbvR

We're excited to announce that for the NEXT 48 HOURS, every donation made to the ""Back to School"" Campaign for Hope Community School in Zambia will be MATCHED up to $1,000! This means every dollar you donate will be DOUBLED - doubling the impact of your contribution. But hurry, this matching opportunity ends Wednesday. Donate today and give Hope students the resources they need to thrive. https://lnkd.in/gUg6-y7h

Hope needs your help! It's ""Back to School"" for Hope Community School in Zambia and we are asking for YOUR help to ensure their 550+ learners receive the resources they need to thrive. Due to growing enrollment and expanded programming, Hope is in need of support to sustain the high quality education they provide. We are launching a fundraising campaign to raise $25,000 by the end of February to support teachers, meals, uniforms, and supplies. Click the following link to donate TODAY and help contribute to BRIGHT FUTURES for Hope's eager learners! Link: https://lnkd.in/gUg6-y7h

Spark Ventures is very excited to Welcome Julia Sistachs as our new Event and Communications Coordinator! Julia started with Spark in January as an intern and her passion was present from the start. Julia has assisted in planning fundraising events and campaigns, has helped lead our social media efforts, and so much more! We are beyond excited to see what other talents she will bring to the table in her new role! Welcome, Julia!

Do you have a Donor Advised Fund? Use your DAF to support Spark Ventures! DAF's are the fastest growing charitable giving vehicle in the US and any individual, family, or organization can establish one. Get immediate tax relief and support Spark! For more information on DAF's click the following link, https://lnkd.in/dTaMmUxa EIN 51-0626562