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
September 25, 2023
By listening to the people and communities of Northwest Arkansas, we can find solutions that improve regional affordability
December 1, 2020
A new guide provides the tools to create Design Excellence projects that live up to the program’s name
January 3, 2020
Parks and green space, an expanding system of trails, innovative design and thriving downtowns are key ingredients that help define Northwest Arkansas’ unique sense of place.
September 3, 2020
Over two decades, a cycling organization has helped develop a bike-friendly culture in Northwest Arkansas
Mountain bike coach Kim Seay gives back by teaching youth the fun and thrills of cycling
Entrepreneurship & Innovation
February 3, 2022
In Northwest Arkansas, Right to Start amplifies the voices of underserved entrepreneurs and helps remove barriers to their success
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
A startup conceived at the University of Arkansas grows through persistent mentorship and a strong sense of place.
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. -
February 7, 2018Examining the challenges and opportunities of the region
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Press Releases
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October 5, 2020The Walton Family Foundation is supporting efforts to bring new trees and shrubs to Northwest Arkansas. -
September 16, 2020The Walton Family Foundation is seeking new professionals for its Northwest Arkansas Design Excellence Program. -
August 4, 2020Northwest Arkansas’ trail system is experiencing a steady rise in bike and foot traffic, according to a new report.