A Community to Call Home
Learn more about why Northwest Arkansas is one of the top places to live in the country
Northwest Arkansas
The cities and towns of Northwest Arkansas are connected by a shared history, culture and geography – and community-minded residents who are working to improve the quality of life for all. At the Walton Family Foundation, we’re proud to support those committed to building a region with great schools, vibrant downtowns, diverse arts and culture, access to trails and nature and a flourishing entrepreneurial spirit.
What is the essence of a thriving community – a place you’d want to call home? At the Walton Family Foundation, we believe it starts with people working alongside their neighbors to improve quality of life for all. Across Northwest Arkansas and in the Delta region of Arkansas and Mississippi, we’re proud to support those committed to building towns and cities with great schools, vibrant downtowns, diverse arts and culture, access to trails and nature and a flourishing entrepreneurial spirit.
Arts & Culture
Learn more about the art, artists and musicians that bring vibrancy to the region
June 10, 2020
Big Piph mentors Northwest Arkansas youth in the creative and entrepreneurial mindset of hip hop.
June 5, 2020
Crystal Bridges and the Momentary bring art and hope to those isolated, lonely during pandemic
May 12, 2020
A professional theater in Fayetteville, Arkansas brings to life ‘the business of performance.’
April 16, 2020
During the coronavirus crisis, a beloved museum for children and families pivots to online programming
Through a unique structure and innovative performances, a ballet company in Northwest Arkansas rewrites the rules of its own art form.
Sense of Place
March 5, 2020
In my job, I am inspired by the resolve of residents to make Northwest Arkansas the most welcoming place to live.
January 7, 2020
As the region grapples with how to build safer, accessible cycling infrastructure, the Dutch provide a blueprint for success.
June 25, 2019
In bike-friendly Arkansas, a major new trail project sets its sights on a natural but untapped resource—state parks
May 6, 2019
In Springdale, Arkansas, a local community center decided to ‘go big’ on construction of a new bike park
The Helen R. Walton Children’s Enrichment Center is a model of healthy design
Entrepreneurship & Innovation
January 25, 2022
In Northwest Arkansas, Communities Unlimited sets underserved entrepreneurs up for success
October 5, 2021
EforAll brings inclusive entrepreneurship training to Northwest Arkansas’ Hispanic community
September 8, 2020
Access to capital, training and mentorship networks is critical to the success of minority-owned businesses
February 4, 2020
A startup conceived at the University of Arkansas grows through persistent mentorship and a strong sense of place.
In Northwest Arkansas, entrepreneur Edwin Ortiz leverages a host of local resources to bring his startup dreams to life.
Education
July 6, 2022
The award-winning artist, actor, author and activist says school helped him discover his potential. Now he’s helping students from his hometown find theirs
March 11, 2022
In his new book, “The Opportunity to Rise,” Bruno V. Manno shares his “rational optimism” about the future of K-12 education in America
January 7, 2020
Great schools open a world of opportunity for students. In Northwest Arkansas, the Walton Family Foundation is working to ensure all students receive a high-quality education at the school where they can learn best, while giving teachers the freedom and flexibility to put kids first. Because the region’s future belongs to its children, we’re supporting innovators, school leaders and teachers who are creating vibrant and dynamic educational options that meet the individual needs of students.
February 23, 2022
In a region where high-quality teachers are in high demand, Teach Plus helps educators advocate for changes so they – and their students – can thrive
We must bring everyone to the table for solutions that meet student needs inside and outside of school
By the Numbers
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September 12, 2019View flashcards from the latest Quality of Life survey -
March 29, 2018Learn how cycling and trails impact the quality of life. -
February 7, 2018Examining the challenges and opportunities of the region
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Press Releases
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January 29, 2025More than 100 architecture, landscape architecture, urban design and planning firms now shaping the future of public spaces in Northwest Arkansas -
December 16, 2024Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission and Bentonville Public Schools awarded planning grants to advance regional connectivity and educational excellence
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August 1, 2024Shows a slight decline since 2018, identifies challenges in transportation and affordability