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
January 5, 2017
Moving beyond our own bricks and mortar to build a bigger audience for the performing arts
December 17, 2016
Arkansas Arts Academy connects the dots between arts and academics
December 5, 2016
Studio blurs lines between art forms and demographics to intensify cultural experiences, regional synergy
November 22, 2016
Building community and pride through performing arts
Local arts organizations came together to discuss how to advance the Northwest Arkansas cultural sector.
Sense of Place
September 7, 2018
Coler Mountain Bike Preserve adds miles of diversity to the region’s expanding trail system
September 7, 2018
In a region rich with cycling infrastructure, Coler will offer a unique experience
July 26, 2018
Razorback Regional Greenway reignites a sense of community in Northwest Arkansas
June 26, 2018
Meeting the needs of a growing population
Economic growth follows trail construction in Northwest Arkansas
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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August 1, 2024Shows a slight decline since 2018, identifies challenges in transportation and affordability -
October 21, 2021IDEALS Institute will lead initiative to strengthen capacity of local nonprofits -
October 26, 2020Releases Report Showing Program’s Five-Year Impact and Areas of Opportunity