Veterans Art Center Tampa Bay

What Veterans Art Center Tampa Bay does

Veterans Art Center Tampa Bay (VACTB) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2014 in Tampa, Florida, that delivers arts-based alternative therapy programs to military veterans, active-duty service members, first responders, and their families, with an explicit mission around mental health, healing, and suicide prevention. Its core service offering is free in-person programming that uses visual arts, music, theater, writing, and drumming as therapeutic modalities — delivered at rehab centers, community spaces, and a dedicated facility secured in St. Petersburg in 2016, with additional programming at a Tampa location. Supporting products include the Rhythms of Resilience drumming program, the Gold Star Tribute Wall (a traveling memorial across Florida), the Force for Art Podcast, the CPL Barton Russell Humlhanz Arts Scholarship ($1,000 annually to two students at Eckerd College or Ringling College of Art and Design), and a branded merchandise line via the VACTB Store and True Victory.

The organization operates on a donation-funded nonprofit model with no disclosed revenue and 1-10 paid staff, supported by a broad network of referral and program partnerships (Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs, VHA Recreation Therapy Service, Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, 211 Tampa Bay Cares, GPS4Vets, Stageworks Theatre, Eckerd College, Ringling College of Art and Design, Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Blick Art Materials, USO, Americans for the Arts). Revenue is generated through individual and corporate donations, fundraising events (music bingo, dance parties, concerts), merchandise sales (20% of each sale donated back), corporate sponsorships tiered $100-$4,000, and grants such as the $50,000 Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation Community Hero grant. The go-to-market motion is community-led, relying on free programming, events, and grassroots outreach in the Tampa Bay region. Leadership is anchored by founder/CEO Mack Macksam (Major Retired USA, MAOM), with a Board of Trustees that includes Gold Star family representation and former senior military officers, plus an advisory board. VACTB holds Charity Navigator 4-star, Charity Watch, and Candid Silver Transparency 2024 certifications, and was recognized as a CCSA Distinguished Award recipient in 2026 and a Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation Community Hero nominee in 2025.

Name

Veterans Art Center Tampa Bay

Legal name

Veterans Art Center Tampa Bay

Website

https://vactb.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Veterans Art Center Tampa Bay is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2014 that delivers free arts-based alternative therapy — including visual arts, music, theater, writing, and drumming — to military veterans, active-duty service members, first responders, and their families in the Tampa Bay area, focused on mental health, healing, and suicide prevention.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Veteran Arts Therapy Services

NAICS

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

akta.pro primary industry

Veterans Affairs & Military Family Services (BPAIAHAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cultural Centers & Community Cultural Organizations (BPAGAHAD), Veterans & Military-to-Civilian Transition Programs (EDAAAOAH)

Keywords

• Art therapy services
• Veteran mental health
• Suicide prevention programs
• First responder support
• Community healing arts

Headquarters

HQ city

Tampa

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: The organization is a 501c-3 nonprofit relying on donations from individuals, businesses, and community supporters to fund programs and operations.
2. Fundraising Events: Revenue generated from ticket sales to fundraising events including music bingo, dance parties, concerts, and benefit performances.
3. Merchandise Sales: Sale of VACTB-branded merchandise including t-shirts, with 20% of proceeds donated to the organization.
4. Sponsorship Revenue: Corporate sponsorships for events, programs, and exhibits ranging from $100 to $4,000 for presenting sponsorships.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Veterans Art Center Tampa Bay is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers free arts-based alternative therapy programs for military service members, veterans, first responders, and their families with a focus on mental health, healing, and suicide prevention. Programming includes painting, drawing and mixed-media classes at rehab centers, group drumming circles and performances, community exhibits, and an annual arts scholarship. The organization is funded primarily through donations, sponsorships, fundraising events, and branded merchandise sales.

Product overview

Veterans Art Center Tampa Bay operates as a nonprofit arts therapy organization offering a unified portfolio of alternative therapy programs centered on creative expression for military, veterans, first responders, and their families. The core offering consists of Alternative Therapy Art Classes (free painting, drawing, and mixed media sessions at rehab centers), the Rhythms of Resilience Drumming Program, and the Force for Art Podcast. Supporting offerings include the CPL Barton Russell Humlhanz Arts Scholarship for students at Eckerd College and Ringling College of Art and Design, the traveling Gold Star Tribute Wall memorial, and the VACTB Store selling veteran-designed merchandise. The organization also facilitates numerous recurring programs (Veterans History Project, Yoga/Meditation, Educational Art Exhibits, Toy and School Drive) and hosts fundraising events. Programs collectively focus on mental health, healing, and suicide prevention through the transformative power of artistic expression.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Art Classes (Alternative Therapy Classes) Free art therapy classes held at two rehab centers where participants paint, draw, and use mixed media to express feelings; no artistic skill required and art supplies are provided at no cost. Target audience is veterans, service members, first responders, and their families.
• CPL Barton Russell Humlhanz Arts Scholarship Annual scholarship program awarding two $1,000 scholarships to art students attending Eckerd College or Ringling College of Art and Design, with an application deadline of August 1.
• Gold Star Tribute Wall

Quantifiable outcome

• 7 suicides prevented among veterans and first responders through programming
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• GPS4VetscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFormal partnership for joint fundraising events including Disco Fever Dance Party and Latin Dance Party. GPS4Vets provides comprehensive navigation program for veterans while VACTB provides art therapy programs, creating holistic support for mental health and career transition.
• Florida Department of Veterans' AffairscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered as a premier point of entry for Florida veterans to access earned services, benefits and support. Listed as a service resource on VACTB website.
• Stageworks TheatremajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional theatre company hosting VACTB events including At All Cost play, Rhythms of Resilience drumming performances, and Dear Jack Dear Louise play. Tampa's longest-running professional theatre company.
• Theatre and All Things DramaticsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProducing partner for At All Cost historical drama about Black WWII veterans, staged at Stageworks. A portion of proceeds donated to VACTB.
• Bert's Barracuda Harley-DavidsonmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerVenue host for Gold Star Tribute Wall event in Clearwater, Florida, providing space for powerful memorial honoring families of fallen service members.
• Adam Endick TravelminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTravel company donates 20% up to $5,000 of bookings to VACTB when booked through their platform, supporting veteran programs.
• VetArtSpancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResource and creative opportunities organization providing services and creative opportunities for the veteran, therapeutic, and arts communities.
• Blick Art MaterialsmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual National Give and Get campaign partner; retail location hosts ongoing supply drive and annual holiday drive. Donors receive 20% discount coupon.
• Eckerd CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner college for arts scholarship program and veteran fine art exhibits. Students from the college receive scholarships and exhibit space.
• Ringling College of Art and DesigncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner college for arts scholarship program. Two $1,000 scholarships awarded annually to deserving art students enrolled at Ringling.
• Tampa Bay LightningmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerLightning Foundation Community Hero program supports VACTB through $50,000 grant program. Founder Mack Macksam honored as Community Hero at NHL game.
• USO (United Service Organizations)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDonated wooden rockers for holiday art drive events. Partnership for supporting military members and their families.
• 211 Tampa Bay Cares, Inc.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorResource partner connecting veterans to local services for benefits, health and wellness, finances, child care, housing, and more.
• Crisis Center of Tampa BaycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner for crisis support services including suicide prevention, sexual assault, domestic violence, and financial distress resources.
• First Responder Hope LinecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner providing confidential support lifeline specifically for first responders available anytime.
• The Kiwanis Breakfast Club of SeminoleminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-host of Field of Honor flag sponsorship program honoring veterans at Seminole City Hall.
• Tampa Bay BuccaneersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNFL team partnership supporting veteran community through visibility and shared mission.
• Soul Circus CowboysmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBillboard-charting band performing at VACTB events including Rhythm Resilience and Laughter benefit. Music focused on veteran themes.
• Americans for the ArtsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational arts advocacy organization supporting VACTB through National Initiative for Arts and Health Across the Military.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• CreatiVets: National nonprofit that pairs veterans with professional artists for creative arts programs (music, writing, visual arts, performing arts) to combat PTSD and post-military transition challenges. Highly comparable model and beneficiary base to VACTB.
• VetArtSpan: Resource organization providing services and creative opportunities for veteran, therapeutic, and arts communities — explicitly listed as a VACTB strategic partner. Near-twin mission and beneficiary overlap.
• Guitars for Vets: Uses music instruction (guitar lessons) as a therapeutic modality for veterans with PTSD and physical injuries. Comparable to VACTB's Rhythms of Resilience drumming program as a music-based alternative therapy for the same population.
• Veterans Yoga Project: Trains yoga teachers and offers trauma-informed yoga programs to veterans and their families. Directly mirrors VACTB's Yoga/Meditation offering as an alternative therapy for veteran mental health.
• National Veterans Art Museum: Chicago-based nonprofit museum dedicated to veteran-created art, PTSD awareness, and community healing through artistic expression. Closest direct peer to VACTB given shared mission of arts-based veteran mental-health support.
• Warrior Writers: Veteran-led nonprofit using creative writing, performance, and community publishing for veteran healing and reintegration. Directly comparable arts-modality approach to VACTB's writing component.

Broad incumbents

• National Center for PTSD: VA's lead clinical research and education center on PTSD, including creative arts therapy programs. The federal incumbent whose recognition of VACTB through its Recreation Therapy Service is itself a key validation signal.
• Wounded Warrior Project: Large national nonprofit serving post-9/11 wounded veterans with a wide portfolio including mental health and wellness programs. Operates as a broad incumbent whose program portfolio overlaps VACTB's at the beneficiary level.
• Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB): National veteran community organization focused on veteran wellness and reintegration through physical, social, and community connections. Comparable community-based veteran wellness mission, but without the arts-specific modality.

Emerging players

• Operation Mend: UCLA Health program offering advanced medical and psychological care (including creative arts therapy) to post-9/11 service members and veterans. Comparable therapeutic intent, but embedded within an academic medical center.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/forceforart
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@forceforart4935
• Facebookfacebook.com/forceforart
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/veterans-art-center-tampa-bay-inc
• Instagraminstagram.com/vactbforceforart

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles18 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Veterans Art Center Tampa Bay