Helping a Child Open the Door to Success
Strengthening communities by providing Education, Exposure, Entrepreneurship, and Empowerment opportunities to youth and their adult family members — through the power of the performing arts.
About the Foundation
The Catherine Smith Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation 501(c)(3) that seeks to better our community at large in a holistic manner. Our philosophy is that by meeting the needs of the individual and family, we also meet the needs of the community.
CSF works to prepare youth, strengthen families, and support community growth through programs, mentoring, education, arts, entrepreneurship, and information workshops. We use the performing arts and its business to educate and reach youth while hosting community events for adults and community outreach.
"Prayer, Patience, Persistence, and Planning."
What We Do
Six pillars that guide every program, event, and service we provide.
Education
Tutoring, academic support, and educational enhancement programs that prepare youth for lifelong success.
Performing Arts
Music, dance, theater, and Teen TV Broadcasting — using the arts as a vehicle for learning and self-expression.
Entrepreneurship
Business finance, personal finance, music production, and professional etiquette to build tomorrow's leaders.
Exposure
Broadening horizons through cultural experiences, civic engagement, and access to diverse opportunities.
Community
Workshops on health, careers, legal aid, and family strengthening that serve adults and the community at large.
Mentorship
Positive role models and mentors who guide youth through Rites of Passage, conflict resolution, and self-image.
Performing Arts & Business Youth Program
We bring performing arts back to our community — nurturing positive relationships, understanding of wealth and how to acquire it, and developing professional artists who can read, play, write, and perform.
From music and dance to Teen TV Broadcasting, stage management, and business finance — our youth gain skills that last a lifetime.
Learn MoreOur Reach Extends to Kerrline, Gambia
Beyond Chicago, the Catherine Smith Foundation has adopted Kerrline — a village in The Gambia, West Africa. We have delivered food, medicine, clothing, and shoes to families and children in the community. Our next mission: installing a clean water bore hole and solar power system before the end of 2027.
Learn more about our global workSupport the Next Generation
Your donation helps fund youth programs, community workshops, and performing arts education for Chicago's South Side youth. CSF is a 501(c)(3) — all donations are tax deductible.
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