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 and thriving 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, thriving 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
July 23, 2025
A small business accelerator is helping former servicemembers unlock new opportunities
January 29, 2020
Entrepreneurs create jobs, foster innovation and build vibrant communities. But to tap into these transformative benefits, the path to success must be accessible to everyone.
May 21, 2025
Meet the young entrepreneurs of Bentonville Schools' Ignite Startup Lab
December 29, 2023
Home Region Program Director Robert Burns sits in conversation with a local leader helping underserved entrepreneurs grow great ideas
How the Walton Family Foundation supports and advances entrepreneurship in the region
Education
February 24, 2025
A new kind of data collection is helping nonprofits like SOAR Afterschool better serve a diverse student population
December 17, 2024
How a dietary limitation inspired one Northwest Arkansas baker to feed her community
January 7, 2020
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.
September 27, 2023
The H.I.R.E.D. program pairs students with career coaches to identify their passions and skills – then opens opportunities for them to pursue their goals
For children experiencing trauma, Bentonville’s Hope Academy offers an innovative school model for learning – and healing
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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May 4, 2020The Walton Family Foundation is launching a new initiative to strengthen the region’s capacity to grow food for its residents. -
December 11, 2019Supporting a new collaborative playscape at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and a new urban park near Southwest 8th and I streets -
October 16, 2019Foundation-Supported Osage Park Will Offer Adventure-Based Recreational Opportunities