Walton Family Foundation Sets Grant-Making Plan Through 2020

The nonprofit Walton Family Foundation said Wednesday it anticipates investing more than $302 million over the next six years in Northwest Arkansas and the Delta region of Arkansas and Mississippi.

According to a news release, the investment strategy in NWA will be geared at expanding high-achieving school options, establishing the region as a leader in arts and cultural amenities and strengthening a coordinated regional economic development effort.

Local initiatives will also be designed on positioning the area as a desirable place to live and an attractive location for businesses because of the natural environment, which will be achieved as downtown areas become increasingly vibrant, according to the release.

“Our investment strategy through 2020 is sharply focused on initiatives that will continue to make the region an even more desirable place to live and work,” Rob Brothers said in the release. Brothers is director of the WFF Home Region Focus Area. “Northwest Arkansas is a great place to call home.”

The WFF is also conducting a feasibility study to determine the need or desire to establish an independent private school in Northwest Arkansas.