WKNO’s The SPARK is a monthly half-hour interview program highlighting efforts in community service and technological and collaborative innovation by nonprofits, corporations, local businesses and educational organizations. The SPARK is produced in partnership with cityCURRENT, a privately-funded organization comprised of 80+ local businesses focused on moments and media along with philanthropy and volunteerism to “power the GOOD” and provide a positive influence in the Mid-South.
The SPARK Awards is an annual presentation on the same themes, honoring achievement in 13 categories nominated by the public and judged by an independent committee. This year will mark the Fifth Annual SPARK Awards.
Now approaching its seventh season on WKNO, The SPARK started with an idea about partnership and community – specifically highlighting the good work being done across our broadcast area by nonprofit organizations, corporations and small businesses, schools and other educational organizations.
The SPARK Awards has given us a platform to further engage the community and the public through the nomination and selection of honorees across the community.
Its purpose is to recognize organizations and individuals who are igniting change and have made a positive impact in the Greater Memphis community. Nominees must meet the criteria outlined in each nomination category to be considered for an award. Each nominee must be a resident of and have an impact within the Memphis Metro Area. Each business or organization nominee must have a substantial corporate presence and have an impact within the Memphis Metro Area. All nominations must show examples of all three judging criteria: philanthropic leadership, volunteerism, and activation/impact. Philanthropic leadership is characterized by taking a leadership role in an initiative or project that led to the betterment of the community. While a monetary investment will be taken in to consideration, the winner will be recognized primarily for their time commitment and physical engagement. Overall, to be considered for an award, it is necessary to show evidence in the nomination form that the nominees have given back to the community in all three ways.