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
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
November 5, 2019
I feel lucky to work with people brimming with tremendous ideas to help the region prosper.
October 30, 2019
In Northwest Arkansas, Startup Crawl celebrates a community bubbling with innovative talent.
April 30, 2019
Annual event teaches kids how to mix business with summer fun
April 30, 2018
At Northwest Arkansas business event, budding entrepreneurs pitch ideas, build companies
This former teacher believes women, minority entrepreneurs hold key to ending educational inequality
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
February 24, 2020
Thaden School in Bentonville, Arkansas, helps students build real-world skills and connections to their community
August 12, 2019
In Northwest Arkansas, RootED NWA is helping diverse communities understand and access the school options available for their kids
In the Little Rock School District, educators are bringing lessons to life through project-based learning
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