[12] Early efforts of the foundation included a scholarship program for Central American students to attend U.S. schools and support for single mothers.

[7] However, when the newer generation began involvement in family meetings, Walmart was already a success and they turned their focus to philanthropy.

[10] Alice Walton founded the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, which was built and curated with $1.2 billion from the foundation.

[7] Steuart and Tom and Olivia Walton oversaw the development of The Momentary,[14] a contemporary art space of Crystal Bridges, with support from the foundation.

[15] Funding has also included improving Bentonville's infrastructure,[16] $31 million for a food hub in Springdale, Arkansas,[17] and support for the LGBT community.

[21] Steuart and Tom Walton have led the foundation in donations to develop Northwest Arkansas' mountain-biking facilities.

[26] As part of its five-year strategy announced in 2021, the foundation committed more than $75 million to programs that create job and career pathways for students after graduation.

[29][30] The foundation's conservation spending focuses on oceans and sustainable seafood;[31] as well as the preservation of the Colorado and Mississippi rivers, including support for agricultural practices that protect water.

[36] The foundation's conservation spending has included funds to protect the Colorado River and the coastal regions along the Gulf of Mexico.

[32][33] It gave approximately $200 million to charities, universities, and media outlets working on water issues around the Colorado river between 2011 and 2021.