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
October 27, 2015
Symphony of Northwest Arkansas brings its orchestra to local classrooms
May 29, 2015
Strengthening and expanding artistic programs in the Ozarks
Sense of Place
February 7, 2018
In Northwest Arkansas, growing populations, increased vitality characterize city cores
January 10, 2018
When mountain biker Tandie Bailey signed up for the first Slaughter Pen Jam race in Bentonville, Arkansas a decade ago, she recalls “there weren’t very many girls, maybe three others” with her at the starting line.
December 19, 2017
The National Interscholastic Cycling Association aims to expand the sport's popularity among young women in Northwest Arkansas
December 13, 2017
A Volunteer’s Guide to Maintaining Mountain Bike Trails in Northwest Arkansas
How Colorado State University and the City of Fort Collins teamed up to build a more bike-friendly community
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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March 21, 2017BENTONVILLE, Ark., March 21, 2017 – The Walton Family Foundation’s Northwest Arkansas Design Excellence Program is continuing to champion high-quality design at all levels with a focus on public spaces in 2017.
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November 16, 2016BENTONVILLE, Ark., Nov. 16, 2016 – The Walton Family Foundation today announced three new projects for the Northwest Arkansas Design Excellence Program, which seeks to elevate the architectural quality of future public buildings and spaces in Benton and Washington counties.
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July 28, 2016BENTONVILLE, Ark., July 28, 2016 – The Walton Family Foundation announced a new application cycle for the Northwest Arkansas Design Excellence Program. Established in 2015, the initiative elevates the architectural quality of future public buildings and spaces in Northwest Arkansas.