Take Action Grant

Take Action Grant is sponsored by Cultural and Arts Humanities Council (CACHE). Take Action funds are capacity-building grants designed to help artists and arts organizations in Northwest Arkansas strengthen the business side of their work through professional consulting support. Individual artists can receive $1,000 grants.

The Medium: A Place to Create Hit enter to search or ESC to close Take Action is a CACHE initiative that supports artists and arts organizations in Northwest Arkansas by providing access to professional support that helps strengthen and sustain their creative practice.

Individual artists can receive $1,000 grants , and organizations can receive $5,000 grants to work with professional consultants in areas like marketing, finance, legal support, fundraising, and operations. CACHE will invest up to $130,000 by the end of 2026. This funding initiative is generously supported by the Walton Family Foundation.

Applications are now closed Watch Recorded Info Session to Learn More! Take Action is funding support that helps you build a stronger, more sustainable creative practice. You must use the funds to hire a professional consultant who can help you move your work forward.

Eligible artists will receive $1,000 Eligible arts organizations will receive $5,000 Applications open June 2, 2026 Funds must be used by December 1, 2026 Eligibility Requirements for Individual Artists Based in Washington or Benton County Have been been a working artist for at least 3 years Can clearly articulate a specific business goal Are ready to take a strategic step forward in their creative business Eligibility Requirements for Arts Organizations Based in Washington or Benton County 501c3 or fiscally sponsored Active in the community for at least 3 years 2 or more regular staff members (can be 1099s or W2) Have a clear capacity-building goal Majority of programming is focused on the arts Financial planning, or accounting support Pricing and Sales strategy Board governance consulting Operational systems development Funds cannot be used for: Art supplies or equipment CACHE TAKE ACTION 2026 TIMELINE WATCH RECORDED JUNE 5TH INFO SESSION Applications will be reviewed for eligibility and how clearly the applicant defines a business goal focused on long-term sustainability.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until funds are fully distributed, with all awards completed by the end of 2026. Submitting an application does not guarantee an award. Selected applicants will be notified by email.

Applications will be reviewed by CACHE staff. Take Action funds are capacity-building grants designed to help artists and arts organizations in Northwest Arkansas strengthen the business side of their work through professional consulting support. This initiative is generously supported by the Walton Family Foundation.

Individual working artists and arts-focused nonprofit organizations with at least 3 years of activity/experience, located in Washington or Benton County are eligible to apply. How much funding is available? Individual artists may apply for a one-time $1,000 grant, while eligible arts organizations may apply for a one-time $5,000 grant, in capacity-building support.

Will this fund my program or project idea? No. These funds are not intended for performances, exhibitions, productions, or programming. The focus is on long-term sustainability and operational growth.

What can the funds be used for? Funds must be used to hire a professional consultant or expert who can help strengthen your business or organization. What are examples of eligible expenses?

Financial planning or accounting support Branding or pricing strategy Board governance consulting Operational systems development What does this funding not cover? Funds cannot be used for: Art supplies or equipment Do I need to already know which consultant I want to hire? Yes.

In the application, you will be asked to name the consultant you intend to work with. We trust the applicant to identify the consultant that fits their needs. What types of artists are eligible?

Artists across all disciplines are encouraged to apply, including (but not limited to) visual artists, musicians, performers, writers, dancers, filmmakers, designers, craftspeople, fashion, and interdisciplinary artists. Do I need to be a full-time artist to apply? No. Applicants do not need to earn all of their income from their creative practice, but they should demonstrate an active and sustained commitment to their work.

Can emerging artists apply? Yes. Emerging, mid-career, and established artists are all eligible.

Can I apply if I’ve never received a grant before? Can I apply if I’ve received CACHE funding in the past? Yes.

Previous applicants and recipients of CACHE funding are welcome to apply. Can I use the funds to build my website or improve my branding? Yes, if the work is connected to long-term business sustainability and involves professional consulting support.

What types of organizations are eligible? Eligible applicants include arts-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored arts organizations, recognized by the IRS. Does my organization need to be entirely arts-focused?

The majority of your organization’s programming and mission should be arts-related. How long must our organization have been operating? This funding is specifically for organizations and artists with at least 3 years of activity.

This focus supports applicants who have navigated challenges like COVID-19, economic changes, government and policy shifts, and philanthropic transitions over the past few years. Does our organization need paid staff? Yes.

Organizations should have at least two regular staff members, including contractors or employees. Can organizations use the funds for fundraising support? Can organizations apply for programming support?

No. CACHE offers a variety of support for programming and cultural events, but Take Action is intended to specifically support the behind-the-scenes work that keeps artists and organizations strong and sustainable. Take Action is not intended to fund programs, productions, exhibitions, performances, or events. When do applications open?

Applications open Tuesday, June 2, 2026 Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and will stay open until all funding has been distributed by December 1, 2026. When will applicants be notified? Applicants will hear back from CACHE within about one month.

Submitting an application does not guarantee an award. Selected applicants will be notified by email and receive a grant agreement. Funds must be used by December 1, 2026.

What makes a strong application? Strong applications clearly explain the applicant’s goals, why outside expertise is needed, and how the work will support long-term sustainability. What if I’m not completely sure what kind of support I need?

Applicants are encouraged to identify a clear goal before applying. If you’re unsure what kind of support you need, consider attending a Take Action information session or emailing admin@cachecreate. org with questions.

Are applications reviewed on a rolling basis? Yes. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until funds are fully distributed, with all awards completed by the end of 2026.

How are applications reviewed? Awards are reviewed by CACHE staff for eligibility. What will the application ask?

A SNEAK PEAK AT THE APPLICATION QUESTIONS: Primary art discipline (option to add multiple) Experience Level (Emerging, Mid-Career, Established) Artist Bio (300 words max) Do you already have a consultant you’d like to work with for a Take Action grant?

If so, provide their name and contact information (note that CACHE can provide a list of recommended consultants if needed) Which best describes the business or financial project you with to complete with a Take Action Grant: Filing taxes or financial planning Hire a lawyer to review contracts Develop pricing, branding or business systems Describe in detail how you will use a Take Action grant to benefit your artistic practice.

What business-related project will you complete with this funding? Be specific and concrete. (300 words max) Have you previously applied for a grant?

Have you previously received a grant? Organization Application Questions: Primary Contact (name, phone number, email) Is your organization a registered 501(c)(3)? How long has your organization been operational?

How much of your organization’s activity is arts related? Mission statement (350 words max) Do you already have a consultant to work with on a Take Action grant? If yes, provide their name and contact information (note that CACHE can provide a list of recommended consultants if needed) Which best describes the business or financial project you wish to complete with a Take Action Grant?

Financial planning and systems development Board governance and policy development Organization infrastructure and operations Describe your Take Action project and what specifically the consultant will help your organization accomplish? How will this work strengthen your organization’s sustainability or long-term impact? (350 words max) What does “capacity-building support” mean?

Capacity-building support means investing in the tools, systems, and professional guidance that help artists and organizations grow stronger and more sustainable over time.

Instead of funding a project or event, this type of support helps improve the business and operational side of creative work, things like marketing, financial planning, legal support, fundraising, branding, and organizational systems are great examples of what Take Action is intended to support. Why is 3 years of experience/activity an eligibility requirement?

This funding is specifically for organizations and artists with at least 3 years of activity. This focus supports applicants who have navigated challenges like COVID-19, economic changes, government and policy shifts, and philanthropic transitions over the past few years. Will this be an annual opportunity?

At this time, Take Action is a one-time initiative, so the time to apply is now! Am I required to spend the full amount on financial/business related expenses? If my consultant charges an amount larger than the Take Action fund provides, can I still use the grant and pay the difference?

Absolutely! After you’ve been notified of a successful application, it is up to you to negotiate pricing and deliverables with your consultant. Can I use the Take Action fund for multiple tasks (what if my consultant charges less)?

Yes. Please note that the awarded amount is fixed at $1000 for individual artists and $5000 for organizations. The scope of your application proposal should reflect your goals for spending the full amount on business or financial related tasks.

You might, therefore, plan to hire more than one consultant for more than one task to take advantage of the full fund amount. Can this money retroactively pay for a business task that was already completed? Can this money retroactively pay for a business task that was already completed?

How will applications be selected? Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and must meet all eligibility requirements to be considered. Eligible applicants will be awarded funding on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds are distributed.

Will I need to report back to CACHE on how the funds were used? Yes. CACHE will request a grant report by the end of 2026.

The grant report will highlight goals achieved through your Take Action opportunity and celebrate the work you do as artists and art organizations! Why is CACHE offering this kind of support? CACHE understands that being an artist or running an arts organization takes more work than just creating great community programs, exhibitions, or performances.

It also means navigating budgets, contracts, marketing, fundraising, operations, and the long-term work of sustaining a practice or organization. Through Take Action, CACHE supports the artists and organizations shaping the creative future of Northwest Arkansas by investing in the systems that help creative work grow, last, and thrive.

We care deeply about the people doing this work and want to help artists build lasting lives and careers here in our region. Reach out to us at admin@cachecreate. org THEMEDIUM@CACHECREATE.

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