Challenge America

What Challenge America does

Challenge America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Basalt, Colorado (EIN 27-0868701), founded by Houston Cowan, that delivers evidence-based music therapy, art therapy, and creative wellness programming primarily to U.S. Veterans coping with PTSD and Military Sexual Trauma (MST). The organization operates a virtual-first model, leveraging online community platforms and remote retreat formats to reach Veterans nationwide without geographic restriction. Therapy is delivered by Board-Certified Music Therapists and registered Art Therapists in collaboration with professional Songwriters and community-based artists, and is provided free of charge to program participants.

The core service portfolio comprises virtual Music Therapy Retreats and Art Therapy Retreats, augmented by two branded online Veteran communities: CAVARTS (Challenge America Veteran Arts Community), reporting over 10,500 Veteran members across 32 countries and all 50 U.S. states, and the Military Sisterhood Initiative (MSI), reporting over 6,000 women Veteran members across 25 countries, founded in 2018. Programmatic activity includes 162 CAVARTS workshops and events and 50+ MSI workshops and events in 2025, plus structured offerings such as the MSI Book Club and the Aging Gratefully Discussion Group. In 2025 the organization extended its therapeutic surface by launching the Art Therapy Program under Art Therapist Sarah Falk. The technology layer consists of Squarespace-hosted web properties, virtual retreat platforms, and online community infrastructure; technology serves as a delivery substrate rather than a distinct intellectual property moat.

Revenue is generated through tax-deductible donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations, supplemented by an "Impact Alliance" of corporate and institutional partners providing cash and in-kind support; donors can direct contributions to specific programs. Strategic partnerships underpin delivery and visibility, including Guitars 4 Vets, Tandy Leather, The Writer's Garret, The HeartStrings Foundation, and VetsRecover, alongside an Impact Alliance that includes the America 250 Commission, Tennessee 250 Commission, Guitar Center Music Foundation, Gaylord Hotels, Embassy Suites by Hilton, St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery, Baruch Guitars, and a flagship relationship with the Grand Ole Opry hosting a July 20, 2026 commemorative event featuring Vince Gill and Amy Grant. The organization operates with a small team of 1–10 employees.

Name

Challenge America

Legal name

Challenge America

Website

https://challengeamerica.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Challenge America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit delivering evidence-based music and art therapy to U.S. Veterans—particularly those with PTSD or Military Sexual Trauma—through free virtual retreats and two online communities: CAVARTS (10,500+ Veteran members across 32 countries) and Military Sisterhood Initiative (6,000+ women Veteran members across 25 countries).

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Veteran Creative Arts Therapy

NAICS

Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers (621420)

SIC

Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Grief, Trauma & PTSD-Focused Teletherapy Platforms (HLALAEAL)

akta.pro secondary industry

Music Therapy (Educational/Developmental Programs) (EDAMANAK)

Keywords

• Veteran arts therapy
• Music therapy retreats
• Art therapy programs
• Veteran peer support
• Creative arts wellness

Headquarters

HQ city

Basalt

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Tax-Deductible Donations: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 27-0868701), Challenge America relies primarily on tax-deductible donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations to fund programs.
2. Designated Program Donations: Donors can direct contributions to specific programs including Music Therapy Retreats, Art Therapy Retreats, CAVARTS Community, MSI, MSI Book Club, The Artist's Way Self-Discovery Workshops, and The Art of Podcasting.
3. Impact Alliance Partnerships: Corporate and organizational partnerships providing financial and in-kind support in exchange for association with the national movement honoring military service.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Challenge America provides evidence-based virtual Music Therapy Retreats and Art Therapy Retreats that help U.S. Veterans cope with PTSD and Military Sexual Trauma (MST), facilitated by Board-Certified Music Therapists, registered Art Therapists, and professional Songwriters/Artists. It also operates two online Veteran communities — CAVARTS (10,500+ Veteran members) and the Military Sisterhood Initiative (6,000+ women Veterans) — that deliver virtual creative arts programming, workshops, peer connection, and curated content. All programs are provided free of charge to Veterans.

Product overview

Challenge America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates a portfolio of therapeutic programs and online communities for Veterans. The core offerings include Music Therapy Retreats and Art Therapy Retreats, which provide evidence-based creative arts therapy facilitated by certified therapists and professional artists. These retreats are complemented by two online community platforms: CAVARTS (Challenge America Veteran Arts Community) serving over 10,500 Veteran members with virtual arts programming, creative workshops, and peer connection, and the Military Sisterhood Initiative (MSI) serving over 6,000 women Veterans with peer support, book clubs, discussion groups, and creative arts programming. The organization leverages technology and virtual platforms to deliver these programs nationwide, connecting Veterans to arts-based healing, community, and purpose.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CAVARTS: Challenge America Veteran Arts Community - a safe and supportive community where Veterans can leverage their creativity and the power of the arts to foster renewed purpose and meaningful connection.
• Military Sisterhood Initiative (MSI)

Products and services

• Music Therapy Retreats Evidence-based virtual music therapy program leveraging technology, the healing power of music, and trauma-informed therapy to help Veterans cope with PTSD and MST symptoms. Facilitated by Board-Certified Music Therapists in collaboration with professional Songwriters. Free for Veterans.
• Art Therapy Retreats Virtual art therapy retreats developed by Challenge America Art Therapist Sarah Falk providing psychoeducation through art interventions from registered Art Therapists and art instruction from professional community-based artists to improve health, well-being, and quality of life for Veterans with PTSD or MST. Free for Veterans.
• Challenge America Veteran Arts Community (CAVARTS) A safe online community with over 10,500 Veteran members delivering virtual arts programming, connecting Veterans globally, and helping them discover programs and services. Offers creative arts workshops including leathercraft, songwriting, creative writing, podcasting, and therapeutic music and visual arts workshops. Free for Veterans.
• Military Sisterhood Initiative (MSI) A national peer support network for women Veterans with over 6,000 members, providing connection through creative arts, shared experiences, workshops, clubs, and curated content. Designed by military women for military women. Free for Veterans.

Quantifiable outcome

• Veterans report improvements in resilience, confidence, connection, and well-being
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship, major and minor.

• The HeartStrings FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-founder and collaborator on CAVARTS. Partnership represents a five-year commitment to building an inclusive Veteran arts community. HeartStrings Foundation logo appears on CAVARTS page as founding partner.
• Guitars 4 VetscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Partner providing guitar instruction, the Guitars 4 Vets Learning Center within CAVARTS, and IJAM Play Along events. Facilitates guitar tutorials and office hour events for Veterans.
• The Writer's GarretcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Partner providing writing workshops for CAVARTS members. Workshops facilitated by Teaching Artist William Watson and held regularly within the CAVARTS community.
• Tandy LeathercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Partner providing leathercraft workshops for CAVARTS and donated materials for workshops. Also partners on fundraising through Memorial Day giveback events.
• VetsRecovercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Vets Recover Music Therapy Retreat. Combines Challenge America's music therapy expertise with VetsRecover's network to serve Veterans with PTSD and Military Sexual Trauma.
• Grand Ole OpryflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerHost venue and partner for Challenge America 250: A Legacy of Service event on July 20, 2026. Event features Vince Gill, Amy Grant, and special guests to honor America's military community.
• America 250 CommissionmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerImpact Alliance Partner for Challenge America 250 national movement celebrating America's 250th anniversary and honoring Veterans.
• Tennessee 250 CommissionmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerImpact Alliance Partner supporting Challenge America 250 initiatives in Tennessee.
• Gaylord HotelsmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerImpact Alliance Partner for Challenge America 250 event and national movement.
• Guitar Center Music FoundationmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerImpact Alliance Partner supporting music programs for Veterans.
• Vince GillflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerPerformer at Challenge America 250: A Legacy of Service event at Grand Ole Opry on July 20, 2026.
• Amy GrantflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerPerformer at Challenge America 250: A Legacy of Service event at Grand Ole Opry on July 20, 2026.
• RISE26majorGTM or Marketing PartnerImpact Alliance Partner for Challenge America 250 national movement.
• Baruch GuitarsmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerImpact Alliance Partner providing guitar support for Veteran programs.
• Embassy Suites by HiltonmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerImpact Alliance Partner for Challenge America 250 event accommodations.
• St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & WinerymajorGTM or Marketing PartnerImpact Alliance Partner for Challenge America 250 event.
• HomeFront SitrepminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Partner providing Veteran-focused content and programming within CAVARTS.
• Oscar Mike RadiominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Partner providing Veteran podcast content within CAVARTS ecosystem.
• Tripe Threat Vets PodcastminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Partner providing Veteran podcast content.
• Mission Roll CallminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Partner organization within CAVARTS network.
• CreatiVetsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Partner supporting Veteran creative arts programs.
• UNMUTEminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Partner providing music-related content for Veterans.
• Wayne BrezinkaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndividual contributor and partner providing content within CAVARTS.
• Christ Presbyterian AcademyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerImpact Alliance Partner for Challenge America 250.
• Tennessee Industrial Printing, Inc.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerImpact Alliance Partner providing printing services.
• Janice Cowan (Diamond Designs)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerIndividual Impact Alliance Partner providing design services.
• Nick LandsbergerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIndividual contributor for UI/UX Design and Art Direction.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• CreatiVets: Nonprofit that provides creative arts programs (music, writing, visual arts) to Veterans recovering from physical and emotional injuries. Closest direct comparable because it operates in the same Veteran-focused creative arts therapy niche and is even a listed CAVARTS community partner.
• Military Veterans in Music (MVIM): Veteran nonprofit community supporting Veteran musicians, songwriters, and performers through networking, events, and resources. Comparable because it builds a Veteran music community similar to CAVARTS' music and songwriting ecosystem.
• Warrior Music Foundation: Veteran-focused nonprofit using music performance, songwriting, and recording as therapeutic outlets for service members and Veterans. Comparable because it uses songwriting and music performance as therapy for Veterans, mirroring Challenge America's Music Therapy Program mechanics.
• Honor Courage Commitment, Inc. Nonprofit that supports Veterans through music performance and songwriting opportunities, often in partnership with active-duty and Veteran therapy programs. Comparable as another Veteran-focused music-as-therapy nonprofit with overlapping peer community features.
• Guitars 4 Vets: Nonprofit that provides free guitar lessons to Veterans as a form of music-based healing and stress relief. Directly comparable because its guitar-instruction model for Veterans overlaps Challenge America's Music Therapy guitar-learning component, and it operates the Learning Center within CAVARTS.
• Vets Recover: Nonprofit running a Veterans Recover Music Therapy Retreat combining music therapy and songwriting for Veterans with PTSD and MST. Direct comparable on both clinical focus (PTSD/MST) and delivery format (music therapy retreat), and is also a Challenge America program partner.

Emerging players

• Cohen Veterans Network: National nonprofit operating telemental health clinics providing confidential mental health care to Veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. Comparable because it serves the same Veteran PTSD/MST population via virtual delivery, but uses licensed clinicians rather than creative arts therapy.
• Semicolon Sojourns (Veteran Storytelling): Veteran-focused organization using writing and storytelling workshops as therapeutic interventions for service members and Veterans. Comparable creative-arts-therapy-for-Veterans model, narrower modality (writing only) but overlapping audience.
• National Veterans Creative Arts Competition (NVCAC): VA-hosted annual competition showcasing art, music, dance, drama, and creative writing by Veterans enrolled in VA care. Comparable because it engages Veterans in creative arts as recovery, though delivered through VA facilities rather than a nonprofit community platform.

Broad incumbents

• Wounded Warrior Project: Large national nonprofit serving post-9/11 Veterans with a wide portfolio of programs including mental health, physical health, and community engagement. Comparable as a large Veteran-serving nonprofit that competes for the same donor dollars and Veterans' attention, though with a much broader mandate than arts therapy.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/challengeamerica
• Facebookfacebook.com/ChallengeAmerica
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/challenge-america

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Challenge America