S.P.A.R.K. (Strategy. Progress. Action. Results. Knowledge.) Program, sponsored by Lowe’s, for Nonprofits Launches January 2027.
Technology plays a critical role in helping nonprofits deliver on their missions, but knowing where to focus limited time, resources, and funding can be challenging. Apparo’s S.P.A.R.K. (Strategy. Progress. Action. Results. Knowledge.) Program, sponsored by Lowe’s, is a 32-week, hands-on technology capacity-building program designed to help nonprofits better understand their current technology environment, strengthen cybersecurity, establish clear technology priorities, and take meaningful steps toward improvement.
Beginning in January 2027, a cohort of five nonprofits will receive personalized guidance from skilled technology professionals, practical assessments and recommendations, and hands-on support to create and begin implementing a manageable one-year technology roadmap.
By participating in S.P.A.R.K., nonprofits will:
- Gain a clearer understanding of their organization’s current technology strengths, gaps, and opportunities.
- Identify cybersecurity risks and opportunities to strengthen their organization’s security practices.
- Develop a practical one-year Technology Plan with priorities and milestones for the next 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.
- Receive hands-on support to begin implementing select short-term recommendations.
- Work one-on-one with a skilled technology mentor throughout the program.
- Build greater confidence in making technology decisions that support their mission and long-term goals.
The S.P.A.R.K. Nonprofit Journey
Understand Your Technology Landscape
Participants begin by getting to know their dedicated technology mentor and completing Apparo’s Technology Maturity Model. This process provides a comprehensive look at the organization’s technology environment and helps identify areas that may benefit from additional attention.
Strengthen Your Cybersecurity
Participating organizations will take part in a cybersecurity workshop and complete Apparo’s Cybersecurity Assessment. Each nonprofit will receive a personalized Cybersecurity Scorecard identifying strengths and areas of opportunity, helping leadership better understand where to focus future cybersecurity efforts.
Build Your Technology Action Plan
With support from a team of skilled technology volunteers, each nonprofit will take a deeper look at its current technology environment, challenges, pain points, and gaps.
The result is a practical one-year Technology Plan that turns those findings into clear recommendations and prioritized milestones for the next 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Rather than leaving organizations with recommendations alone, S.P.A.R.K. helps nonprofits move from planning to action.
Put the Plan into Action
After developing the Technology Action Plan, nonprofits will continue working with their volunteer technology team to begin implementing select short-term recommendations. This hands-on implementation period helps organizations build early momentum and make tangible progress before continuing the roadmap independently.
Keep the Momentum Going
Technology improvement doesn’t happen overnight. Following the Technology Action Plan engagement, nonprofits will continue meeting with their dedicated technology mentor for guidance, accountability, and support as they work toward their goals.
Program at a Glance
- Program Information Session: October 15, 2026 (see recording below)
- Program Launch: January 13, 2027
- Program Length: 32 weeks
- Cohort Size: 5 nonprofit organizations
- Support: Dedicated technology mentor + skilled volunteer technology team
- Key Deliverable: Customized one-year Technology Action Plan
- Additional Benefits: Cybersecurity assessment and scorecard, implementation support, and ongoing mentorship
Who Should Apply?
S.P.A.R.K. is designed for nonprofit organizations that want to take a more intentional approach to technology but may not have the internal technology expertise, capacity, or resources to determine what to tackle first.
The program may be a strong fit for organizations that:
- Have technology challenges but aren’t sure how to prioritize them.
- Want to better understand and strengthen their cybersecurity practices.
- Need a realistic technology roadmap aligned with organizational needs.
- Are ready to dedicate staff time to actively participate in the planning and implementation process.
- Want to move beyond identifying technology problems and begin making measurable progress.
Eligibility criteria:
- Registered 501(c)(3) organization
- Located in the Charlotte area
- Operating budget of at least $75,000
- At least one paid full-time staff
- Leadership commitment for 32-week program
- Agreement for at least one staff member to participate in program approximately 4-6 hours/month.
No advanced technology expertise is required. What matters most is a willingness to learn, collaborate, and take action. Watch the information session in a new window, or view below.
Interested in S.P.A.R.K.?
Applications for the inaugural S.P.A.R.K. cohort close on November 11, 2026 at 11:45PM. Complete the application here.
Five nonprofit organizations will be selected to participate and will be announced the week of November 30, 2026.
