Home Region

Our history of support and engagement in the Delta dates back to 1991. We work with our grantees to improve the quality of life in this impoverished region by implementing economic development and community-based strategies that lead to sustainable progress in these defined geographic areas, and by enhancing educational opportunities for children and adults. We work with two intermediary organizations that implement and monitor these projects:

• Southern Bancorp Capital Partners (Phillips County, Arkansas, and Coahoma County, Mississippi)
• The Foundation for the Mid South (Leflore County, Mississippi)

Work in the Delta region is focused on the following strategies:

• Improving education in independent public charter schools, state and geographically targeted advocacy organizations, and traditional school districts;
• Economic development;
• Community development; and
• Leadership development and civic engagement.

Grantees in our Delta Region initiative have included:

• Southern Bancorp Capital Partners;
• Foundation for the Mid-South;
• KIPP Delta College Preparatory School; and
• Teach For America – Delta.

A full list of our Delta Region grantees can be found here: 2012 Walton Family Foundation Grants

As we continue our work with Delta region grantees, progress will be determined by key indicators such as:

• New jobs generated;
• Reduced poverty and unemployment rates;
• Increased affordable housing;
• Participation in youth programs; and
• Increased student achievement.