WEST WASHINGTON — More local elementary students will soon have access to critical reading support, thanks to a $5,000 grant from Sparklight® awarded to the Hoosier Uplands Economic Development Corporation.
The funding, distributed through the Sparklight Charitable Giving Fund, will directly benefit students enrolled in the Hoosier Uplands after-school program at West Washington Elementary School. The grant will be used to purchase literacy assessments, specialized curricula, and targeted learning tools designed to build fundamental reading skills and boost student confidence.
The injection of funds comes at a vital time for local after-school programming, where budgets are often stretched thin.
“Sparklight’s $5,000 Charitable Giving Fund grant will help ensure students in our after-school program have access to high-quality literacy resources and personalized learning tools that support their academic growth and improve outcomes,” said Carrie Ritchison, Program Director for the Hoosier Uplands Economic Development Corporation. “At a time when funding for these critical programs has become increasingly limited, we are grateful for Sparklight’s generous investment in our students and their future.”
The program aims to give educators and support staff the specialized resources necessary to identify specific reading gaps in young learners and address them through personalized instruction.
This local award is part of a larger, company-wide initiative. During its most recent grant cycle, Sparklight awarded more than $125,000 to 28 different nonprofit organizations across its national service areas. The funding cycle targeted initiatives focusing on child and family support, food insecurity, educational access, and life-skills development.
“Strong reading skills are the foundation for lifelong learning and future success,” said Travis Harr, Sparklight Senior Regional Director for the North Central region. “We’re proud to support Hoosier Uplands as it provides students with the tools, resources and opportunities they need to build confidence, strengthen literacy skills and reach their full potential.”
Grant Program History & Next Application Window
Since its inception in 2020, the Sparklight Charitable Giving Fund has awarded more than $1.3 million in grants to upwards of 300 nonprofits. The fund prioritizes projects tied to education, digital literacy, hunger relief, and community development.
Local nonprofits interested in applying for future funding cycles can do so twice a year. The upcoming fall 2026 application window will open on October 1 and close on October 31, 2026.
For more information regarding eligibility and the application process, organizations can visit the official portal at www.sparklight.com/charitablegiving.
