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
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
January 31, 2017
New contemporary arts venue planned for downtown Bentonville
January 26, 2017
Lake Atalanta transformation accelerates revitalization in downtown Rogers, Arkansas
January 25, 2017
Temporary bike lane project reveals potential for more robust commuter cycling infrastructure
December 24, 2016
Trail design expertise continues to help cities realize visions, raise quality of life
Building community and pride through performing arts
Entrepreneurship & Innovation
August 21, 2017
This former teacher believes women, minority entrepreneurs hold key to ending educational inequality
March 2, 2017
By the time Omar Kasim graduated from high school in 2012, the Tulsa, Oklahoma student had already mapped out a clear course for his life. He intended to study business management at the University of Arkansas, then head off to law school after earning his undergraduate degree.
January 26, 2017
Regional venture team aids new businesses with no-cost mentoring, training
June 8, 2015
Innovating for high-quality schools in Indianapolis
Education
May 21, 2025
Meet the young entrepreneurs of Bentonville Schools' Ignite Startup Lab
February 24, 2025
A new kind of data collection is helping nonprofits like SOAR Afterschool better serve a diverse student population
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.
December 17, 2024
How a dietary limitation inspired one Northwest Arkansas baker to feed her community
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
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.
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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