The Walton Family Foundation is launching a new five-year plan for its grant-making cycle, as part of its mission of expanding opportunities and access. This five-year plan touches on three major program areas: improving the environment, impacting K-12 education and investing in the Northwest Arkansas and Arkansas-Mississippi Delta regions.
Over the course of the five years, the Walton Family Foundation plans to provide $2 billion in support to achieve its philanthropic plans. This new strategic plan is centered around three goals, which include “championing community-driven change,” “prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion,” and “collaborating with partners.”
“Today’s challenges are more complex and interconnected than ever, and solutions require setting ambitious goals, bringing people with different ideas and backgrounds together, and developing innovative approaches,” Annie Proietti, board chair of the Walton Family Foundation, said in a statement. “As we work toward lasting change for tomorrow, we are committed to unlocking opportunity today and breaking down barriers that stand in the way.”
The foundation outlined some of the projects and objectives that the three program areas will tackle in the next five years.
The Environment Program will address the use of innovative agricultural water resource and fisheries management practices, as well as encouraging policymaking that will “strengthen environmental and economic outcomes” in local communities. The program will also support leaders who use market demand for sustainably produced products that improve agricultural and fisheries management practices.
In the K-12 Education Program, the foundation aims to increase access to high-quality educational opportunities by supporting “community-designed and community-driven” change. This program is also charged with supporting entrepreneurs and other innovators in developing new solutions to increase students’ learning and growth opportunities.
For the Home Region Program, the foundation plans to continue its support of Northwest Arkansas’ small business and startup community. The program will also work to amplify the “voices of a diverse array of local leaders” to build community leadership.
Across all of the program areas, the Walton Family Foundation plans to work to encourage inclusivity and to increase engagement with diverse communities.
“To create meaningful and positive change in the communities we serve, we must first listen to and learn from those closest to the complex challenges. That insight will empower breakthrough ideas that are the building blocks for the big system change we hope to achieve,” Walton Family Foundation executive director Caryl M. Stern said.
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Image courtesy of Walton Family Foundation