Walton Family Foundation Invests $21.5 Million In Arkansas Home Region

The Walton Family Foundation announced it invested nearly $21.5 million in initiatives within the foundation’s home region of Arkansas in 2011.

Grants went to programs in northwest Arkansas, throughout the state of Arkansas, and in the Arkansas and Mississippi Delta region. These investments were part of more than $500 million in grant making by the foundation in 2011, according to a foundation press release.

“The home region will always have significant meaning to the Walton family and the foundation,” said Rob Brothers, Director of the Walton Family Foundation Home Region Focus Area. “Our motivation to support programs and projects that build better communities stems from a history of thoughtful giving that continues to be driven by the philanthropic desires of the Walton family.”

The foundation invested in three home region initiatives, seeking to create cultural, educational and economic opportunities. They include:

Arkansas Education Reform – $8,269,055
The foundation, which has been a long-time supporter of education reform initiatives on a national level, continues to invest in education reform in the state of Arkansas. Programs funded work to improve accountability, transparency, choice and incentives in the state’s schools.

Northwest Arkansas – $7,849,127
Strong historical significance and family ties influence the foundation’s commitment to enhance the quality of life for residents in Benton and Washington counties of northwest Arkansas. Grants in 2011 supported community, economic and educational initiatives aimed at making the area an even better place to work and raise a family.

Delta Region of Arkansas and Mississippi – $5,366,917
The foundation has supported the Delta region of Arkansas and Mississippi for more than 20 years. Giving in this region continues to primarily support economic development and community-based strategies that help sustain progress and enhance educational opportunities for children and adults.

For a full list of 2011 home region grantees, click here.