Jones Trust receives millions from Walton Family and Care Foundations

The Jones Trust launched an endowment campaign Friday (Dec. 14)  with news of $20 million in contributions from the Walton Family Foundation and Care Foundation, a fund of Endeavor Foundation.

The donations serve as lead gifts in a $30 million campaign that will benefit the short- and long-term financial goals to sustain The Jones Trust and the Jones Center.

Care Foundation is contributing an outright gift of $10 million, while the Walton Family Foundation has made available up to $10 million pending the realization of a 1:2 match requiring an additional $10 million to be raised from other supporters. In addition to these endowment funds, the Walton Family Foundation is awarding the Jones Trust $3 million, to be distributed over the next three years, for major capital improvements and maintenance projects for The Jones Center facility.

Ed Clifford, CEO of The Jones Trust and The Jones Center, said, “The Jones Center is an integral part of the Springdale community infrastructure and a cultural bridge for all of Northwest Arkansas, and these endowment gifts help to ensure that it continues to be a positive force for many years to come.”

“The Jones Trust and its amenities are critical connectors in our vibrant and diverse community,” said Ryan Hale, program officer at the Walton Family Foundation. “Ensuring their longevity will make our region an even better place to work and play.”

The grant to The Jones Trust is the latest of the Walton Family Foundation’s “Home Region” initiatives intended to improve the quality of life in Northwest Arkansas, the state of Arkansas and the Delta region of Arkansas and Mississippi.

Endeavor Foundation is dedicated to ensuring Northwest Arkansas remains a vibrant and thriving region by nurturing a spirit of community philanthropy. Its supporting organization, Care Foundation, has consistently contributed to The Jones Center for the last 12 years, and this $10 million endowment gift underscores an ongoing commitment to education, health and other critical needs in the region. 

According to Anita Scism, CEO of Endeavor Foundation, “The Jones Center supports the health, recreation and well-being of so many children and families in Northwest Arkansas, and Care Foundation’s endowment gift will help ensure this Springdale treasure remains accessible and affordable to everyone that chooses to take advantage of its services.” 

Susan Barrett, board chair of the Jones Trust said, “We’re grateful for their strong support which demonstrates their affirmation of the significant impact that our organizations have in the community.”