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
September 25, 2023
By listening to the people and communities of Northwest Arkansas, we can find solutions that improve regional affordability
December 1, 2020
A new guide provides the tools to create Design Excellence projects that live up to the program’s name
January 3, 2020
Parks and green space, an expanding system of trails, innovative design and thriving downtowns are key ingredients that help define Northwest Arkansas’ unique sense of place.
September 3, 2020
Over two decades, a cycling organization has helped develop a bike-friendly culture in Northwest Arkansas
Mountain bike coach Kim Seay gives back by teaching youth the fun and thrills of cycling
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
April 7, 2021
Three visionary leaders are advancing innovative solutions to achieve education equity for all
March 12, 2021
The work to re-imagine city schools and protect the Gulf Coast is creating hope and opportunity
August 27, 2020
At Arkansas Arts Academy, an integrated arts education connects students to cultural institutions
February 24, 2020
Thaden School in Bentonville, Arkansas, helps students build real-world skills and connections to their community
In Northwest Arkansas, RootED NWA is helping diverse communities understand and access the school options available for their kids
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