This practical guide helps small, community-based nonprofits understand how artificial intelligence can strengthen fundraising while keeping relationship-building at the center of their work. Designed for nonprofit leaders and fundraising professionals—particularly those in conservation—it offers guidance on organizational readiness, AI policies, fundraising workflows, recommended tools, and seven interactive prompts that can be used with popular AI platforms to support planning, donor engagement, and communications. The guide was prepared by Strategic By Nature and Virga Labs in partnership with the Walton Family Foundation.

The river that built the American West has run out of time. But the resourcefulness that built the American West is far from running dry. This report examines the biggest challenges to the Colorado River Basin, based on interviews with subject matter experts, reviews of scientific and news articles, and data provided by the Water Resilience Coalition. It also addresses the most promising strategies to mitigate them. Drawing on recent research and insights about ecology, water management and technology, it looks past the zerosum game of fighting over water allocations, and zeroes in on the emerging methods to keep the river running, together.

New analysis provides update on quality and accessibility of CTE programs in the region

A new report from Gallup and Making Caring Common, a project of the Harvard Graduate School of Education, finds that Gen Z wants work that makes a positive difference in the world. Eight in 10 young people hope their future job will focus on helping others, and 72% say helping others outside of work is important.

A new Walton Family Foundation-Gallup survey finds that many teachers are managing growing demands with limited clarity and support. Fewer than half say expectations for teaching excellence are fully realistic, and 77% of teachers facing unrealistic expectations report frequent burnout.

New Gallup-Walton Family Foundation poll explores Americans' views on the conditions needed for people and places to thrive

The Delta region of Arkansas and Mississippi holds enormous potential, but has experienced generations of underinvestment and systemic barriers to opportunity. Through 2030, the Walton Family Foundation's Home Region Program will invest in initiatives that ensure all students have access to a high-quality education, help residents build assets and economic mobility and strengthen the capacity of local leaders and community-driven solutions.

Our Theory of Change for Northwest Arkansas allows us to be bold in the challenges we take on together. It also helps us be nimble in how we approach solutions.

AI is already part of Gen Z’s daily life – and most students believe it belongs in the classroom. According to a new Gallup/Walton Family Foundation survey, nearly 8 in 10 students (78%) say AI should have a place in the classroom, and 51% report using it daily or weekly.

The Community Compass is a new measurement tool created to help communities better understand how public spaces and programs support connection, belonging and trust. Developed by the Walton Family Foundation and Trust for Public Land, this free tool helps communities better how people experience those spaces and one another.

New research from the Walton Family Foundation, the Bipartisan Policy Center and Gallup finds that 71% of teachers have a paid position beyond their primary teaching job. One in five says they find it difficult to get by financially.

More than half of teachers in the United States say they couldn’t take any paid parental leave after the birth or adoption of a child. Most had to rely on accrued sick days instead. Only two states currently offer 12 weeks of fully paid leave with coverage for long-term substitutes.

Oceans are a source of food security for billions of people and a cornerstone of resilience in the face of climate change. Yet the flow of capital into ocean-positive solutions has been limited. This has left a gap between philanthropy and impact investment, slowing the pace of change.

This survey, conducted by Morning Consult for the Walton Family Foundation, reveals strong public support for natural solutions—such as wetland restoration and reforestation—as effective tools to address climate change and protect communities.

Teachers’ job satisfaction is deeply tied to the support they receive. According to a new Gallup report, 77% of teachers who say they have the materials they need to do their jobs are satisfied with their school as a workplace.

More Gen Zers say they feel ready for the future—but fewer say they’re thriving.

A strong entrepreneurial ecosystem is essential to regional prosperity—fueling job growth, expanding opportunity and fostering long-term economic health. A new report explores how the region’s business environment has changed over time and how it compares to peer metropolitan areas, the state of Arkansas and the nation.

According to a new report from the McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility, a strong alignment between educators and employers can help rural communities unlock new opportunities for youth.