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 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
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
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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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.