Examples include:

• Marketing or social media strategy
• Financial planning or accounting support
• Tax preparation
• Contract or legal review
• Branding or pricing strategy
• Fundraising strategy
• Board governance consulting
• Operational systems development

Funds cannot be used for:

• Art supplies or equipment
• Production costs
• Travel
• Rent or utilities
• Living expenses
• Medical expenses
• Programming costs

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.

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.

Yes. Emerging, mid-career, and established artists are all eligible.

Absolutely.

Yes. Previous applicants and recipients of CACHE funding are welcome to apply.

Yes, if the work is connected to long-term business sustainability and involves professional consulting support.

Yes.

Eligible applicants include arts-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored arts organizations, recognized by the IRS.

The majority of your organization’s programming and mission should be arts-related.

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.

Yes. Organizations should have at least two regular staff members, including contractors or employees.

Yes.

Yes.

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.

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.

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.

Strong applications clearly explain the applicant’s goals, why outside expertise is needed, and how the work will support long-term sustainability.

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.

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

Awards are reviewed by CACHE staff for eligibility.

A SNEAK PEAK AT THE APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

1. Name / Artist Name
2. Contact information (Phone, email, address)
3. Demographic Information
4. Primary art discipline (option to add multiple)
5. Experience Level (Emerging, Mid-Career, Established)
6. Option to add social media links and website
7. Artist Bio (300 words max)
8. Do you already have a consultant you’d like to work with for a Take Action grant?
   1. If so, provide their name and contact information (note that CACHE can provide a list of recommended consultants if needed)
9. Which best describes the business or financial project you with to complete with a Take Action Grant:
   1. Develop a marketing or social media strategy
   2. Filing taxes or financial planning
   3. Hire a lawyer to review contracts
   4. Grant writing
   5. Develop pricing, branding or business systems
10. 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)
11. Have you previously applied for a grant?
12. Have you previously received a grant?

Organization Application Questions:

1. Organization Name
2. Primary Contact (name, phone number, email)
3. Organization’s Address
4. Is your organization a registered 501(c)(3)?
5. How long has your organization been operational?
6. Annual operating budget
7. How much of your organization’s activity is arts related?
8. Option to provide website and social media links
9. Mission statement (350 words max)
10. Do you already have a consultant to work with on a Take Action grant?
    1. If yes, provide their name and contact information (note that CACHE can provide a list of recommended consultants if needed)
11. Which best describes the business or financial project you wish to complete with a Take Action Grant?
    1. Develop marketing or social media strategy
    2. Financial planning and systems development
    3. Board governance and policy development
    4. Fundraising strategy
    5. Organization infrastructure and operations
12. 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)

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.

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.

At this time, Take Action is a one-time initiative, so the time to apply is now!

Yes.

Absolutely! After you’ve been notified of a successful application, it is up to you to negotiate pricing and deliverables with your consultant.

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.

No.

No.

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.

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!

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.