Sparklight Awards $7,500 Charitable Giving Fund Grant to the Wayfinder Initiative

GULFPORT, Miss. (Aug. 20, 2026) — More Gulf Coast residents will have opportunities to build digital skills and prepare for the workforce thanks to a $7,500 grant from leading internet and mobile provider Sparklight®. Awarded through the Sparklight Charitable Giving Fund, the grant will support the Wayfinder Initiative’s Project SPARK program, helping remove barriers to educational and economic success.

During its recent grant cycle, Sparklight awarded more than $125,000 in grants to 28 nonprofit organizations across the cities and towns it serves. By investing in programs that support children and families, address food insecurity, expand educational opportunities and build critical life skills, the funding is helping improve lives and strengthen local communities.

“In today’s world, technology skills open doors to education, employment and opportunity,” said Charlie Oakes, Sparklight Senior Regional Director, Gulf Coast. “We’re proud to support the Wayfinder Initiative as it equips Gulf Coast neighbors of all ages with the tools and confidence they need to succeed in school, the workplace and beyond.”

Wayfinder Initiative leaders said the grant will help address the digital skills gap that limits educational and economic success. 

“Project SPARK brings children, teens and adults together to build practical skills they can use in school, at work and in everyday life,” said Kristy Wheat, Wayfinder Initiative Director. “Sparklight’s generous grant will provide the resources we need to launch these new multigenerational learning cohorts and help more Gulf Coast residents thrive in an increasingly digital world.”

Sparklight’s Charitable Giving Fund focuses on initiatives that create lasting, local impact, including education and digital literacy, hunger relief and community development. Since the Fund’s inception in 2020, Sparklight has awarded more than $1.3 million in grants to more than 300 nonprofits that make a difference in the lives of those they serve.

Nonprofit organizations may apply for a grant during open application periods each spring and fall. Applications for the fall 2026 cycle will be accepted Oct. 1‒31, 2026.

For more information about the Sparklight Charitable Giving Fund, visit www.sparklight.com/charitablegiving.

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