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
February 4, 2021
INTERFORM is mobilizing diverse communities to provide for their neighbors through the pandemic
August 27, 2020
At Arkansas Arts Academy, an integrated arts education connects students to cultural institutions
July 21, 2020
A youth jazz ensemble finds new opportunities to hone their craft amid a halt in live performances.
April 10, 2018
Finding opportunities for artistic freedom, expression and appreciation is at the heart of what makes Northwest Arkansas distinctly unique. Meet the artists, musicians, chefs and others making an impact on the local culture.
An art curator discovers a region committed to nature and a vibrant culture
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
May 21, 2025
Meet the young entrepreneurs of Bentonville Schools' Ignite Startup Lab
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.
December 29, 2023
Home Region Program Director Robert Burns sits in conversation with a local leader helping underserved entrepreneurs grow great ideas
February 23, 2023
How the Walton Family Foundation supports and advances entrepreneurship in the region
In Northwest Arkansas, Right to Start amplifies the voices of underserved entrepreneurs and helps remove barriers to their success
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
-
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
Filter
Press Releases
-
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 -
October 5, 2020The Walton Family Foundation is supporting efforts to bring new trees and shrubs to Northwest Arkansas.