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
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
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
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
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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