Northwest Arkansas Council Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,174,774 (2023 via CACHE program)
• Success Rate: 21% (CXF 2025-26: 37 funded from 176 applications)
• Decision Time: Varies by program (CXF notifies in August)
• Grant Range: $2,000 - $40,000+ (varies by program)
• Geographic Focus: Northwest Arkansas (Washington and Benton Counties)

Contact Details

Northwest Arkansas Council Foundation

• Address: 4100 Corporate Center Drive, Springdale, AR 72762
• Phone: 479.582.2100
• Email: main@nwacouncil.org
• Website: nwacouncil.org

CACHE (Grant Programs)

• Website: cachecreate.org
• Instagram: @cachecreate
• Executive Director: Kelsey Howard

Overview

The Northwest Arkansas Council Foundation (EIN 46-0807914) was established as a 501(c)(3) support organization to the Northwest Arkansas Council, founded by business leaders including Sam Walton, Don Tyson, and J.B. Hunt. The Foundation focuses on improving living conditions throughout Northwest Arkansas through community improvement, capacity building, and neighborhood development initiatives.

In 2019, the Foundation launched CACHE (Creative Arkansas Community Hub & Exchange), which has become its primary grant-making vehicle for arts and culture organizations. Since inception, CACHE has invested over $4.4 million in Northwest Arkansas' creative community, with $1,174,774 distributed in 2023 alone through 41 unique grants and 10 programs. The Foundation receives substantial support from corporate partners including the Walton Family Foundation, Walmart Foundation, and Tyson Family Foundation, positioning it as a key intermediary arts organization in the region.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Creative Exchange Fund (CXF)

• $145,000 distributed annually
• Five funding streams: Mixtape Music Series, Producers, Artist Residencies, Platform, and Spectra (indoor/outdoor)
• Grant amounts vary by program stream
• Applications accepted annually (typically due in spring)

Bridge Fund for Arts & Culture Nonprofits (COVID-era program, may be reactivated)

• Previously distributed $750,000 total ($500,000 first round, $250,000 second round)
• Individual grants up to $20,000
• Supported 45 organizations through two rounds
• Focused on transition planning and operational support

CACHE Studios

• Provides subsidized studio space for 18 creatives
• Residencies at The Medium in Springdale

Professional Development Programs

• ARt Connect Cohort
• Groundwaves (hip hop mentorship)
• YOLO workshops (21 events in 2023)

Priority Areas

• Arts and culture organizations and individual artists in Northwest Arkansas
• Community-rooted creative work
• Experimental and emerging artists
• Arts education and capacity building
• Creative placemaking initiatives
• Inclusive and equitable arts programming
• Organizations with annual budgets under $3 million (Bridge Fund eligibility)

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations outside Washington and Benton Counties, Arkansas
• Arts organizations with budgets exceeding $3 million (for Bridge Fund)
• Projects not related to arts, culture, or creative community development

Governance and Leadership

Northwest Arkansas Council Staff:

• Nelson Peacock - President and CEO (since 2017, third CEO in organization's history)
• Mike Harvey - Chief Operating Officer
• Amy Kelley Bell - Creative
• Nate Green - Communications Director
• Ron Maloney - Economic Development
• Stefanie Pawluk - Health Care Transformation

CACHE Leadership:

• Kelsey Howard - Executive Director (promoted to permanent role January 2025)
  • Previously Program Director (first full-time hire in 2020), then Director of Arts Services & Strategic Partnerships, then Managing Director
  • Background: Philbrook Museum of Art, Scott Family Amazeum, John Brown University, Main Street Siloam Springs

Key Quote: "CACHE is proud to partner with many of the region's resilient cultural organizations to reimagine the structures and systems they use to create and operate." - Allyson Esposito, former CACHE Executive Director

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Creative Exchange Fund:

• Applications submitted online through CACHE's Submittable platform
• Five separate application streams for different project types
• Application deadlines typically in spring (previously May 5)
• Lead artists must attend virtual Meet & Greet session
• Applications reviewed by community arts leaders panel

Other Programs:

• CACHE maintains an updated grants page at cachecreate.org listing current opportunities
• Some programs have rolling applications
• Professional development programs may have cohort-based applications

Decision Timeline

Creative Exchange Fund:

• Applications typically due in spring
• Successful applicants notified in August
• Contracts issued with confirmed project dates
• Post-program assessment required

Bridge Fund (when active):

• Review by volunteer panel of community arts leaders
• Selection based on: extent of lost revenue, strength of adaptation plan, organizational budget size

Success Rates

Creative Exchange Fund (2025-26 cycle):

• 176 applications received
• 37 grants awarded
• 21% success rate

Bridge Fund (2020-21):

• First round: 45+ applications, 23 grants awarded (51% success rate)
• Second round: 50 applications, 22 grants awarded (44% success rate)

Reapplication Policy

No specific restrictions on reapplication mentioned. The Creative Exchange Fund runs annually, suggesting applicants can reapply in subsequent cycles.

Application Success Factors

Based on successful CACHE grants and program statements:

For Creative Exchange Fund:

• Projects that are "bold, community-rooted creative work"
• Clear demonstration of how space at The Medium will be utilized
• Strong artistic vision and project planning
• Community engagement and accessibility
• Alignment with one of five specific program streams

For Organizational Grants (Bridge Fund model):

• Clear demonstration of need and community impact
• Strong adaptation and transition plans
• Realistic budget and organizational capacity
• Mission alignment with inclusive, equitable arts access
• Focus on serving Northwest Arkansas communities

Program Testimonials: "Programs like CXF... make a huge difference in an artist's experience" - Rebecca Rivas, grant recipient

"CACHE studios has given my artistic practice new life!" - Anonymous Studio Artist

Key Success Factors:

• Applications should emphasize community benefit and regional impact
• Strong preference for projects that advance equity and inclusion
• Clear articulation of how funding will be used
• Understanding of CACHE's role as capacity builder for creative ecosystem
• For organizations: demonstrated track record and financial stability

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Focus on CACHE programs - The Northwest Arkansas Council Foundation primarily distributes grants through its CACHE initiative rather than through traditional foundation applications
• Geographic limitation is strict - Organizations must be based in Washington or Benton Counties to be eligible for most funding
• Multiple opportunities annually - The Creative Exchange Fund has five distinct streams, increasing chances of finding appropriate fit
• Competition is moderate - With a 21% success rate for CXF, applications are competitive but not overwhelming
• Corporate funding matters - Strong backing from Walton Family Foundation and Walmart Foundation means stability and growth potential
• Community rootedness is key - Applications should emphasize local impact and connection to Northwest Arkansas communities
• Build relationships early - CACHE offers professional development, networking events, and resource sharing - engage with these before applying
• Think beyond just funding - CACHE provides wraparound support including studio space, professional development, and convening opportunities that add value beyond grants

References

• Northwest Arkansas Council Foundation GuideStar Profile: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/46-0807914 (Accessed January 2026)
• Northwest Arkansas Council website: https://nwacouncil.org/ (Accessed January 2026)
• CACHE website: https://cachecreate.org/ (Accessed January 2026)
• CACHE 2023 Annual Report: https://cachecreate.org/annual-report/ (Accessed January 2026)
• "Council's Arts Organization Awards Grants to 23 Local Nonprofits," Northwest Arkansas Council, May 20, 2020: https://nwacouncil.org/2020/05/20/nwa-councils-arts-organization-awards-bridge-grants-to-23-arts-and-culture-nonprofits/
• "CACHE Awards Second Round of Grants to 22 Local Nonprofits," Northwest Arkansas Council, January 28, 2021: https://nwacouncil.org/2021/01/28/cache-awards-second-round-of-grants-to-22-local-nonprofits/
• "Creative Exchange Fund to support 37 recipients," Talk Business & Politics, July 2025: https://talkbusiness.net/2025/07/creative-exchange-fund-to-support-37-recipients/
• "CACHE Announces Kelsey Howard as Executive Director," CACHE, 2025: https://cachecreate.org/cache-announces-kelsey-howard-as-executive-director/
• "Kelsey Howard's journey with CACHE marked by dedication and strategic thinking," Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, January 18, 2025: https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2025/jan/18/kelsey-howards-journey-with-cache-marked-by/
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Northwest Arkansas Council Foundation: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/460807914 (Accessed January 2026)