Creative Catalyst Foundation

What is the Creative Catalyst Foundation?

The Creative Catalyst Foundation (CCF) is a student-run nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free art classes to underserved communities. We aim to ignite creativity, confidence, and self-expression—especially in kids who may not otherwise have access to structured art lessons.

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What can I expect from a typical program or lesson?

It depends on the age group and what the partnering organization is looking for! For example, we might teach foundational drawing skills like sketching, shading, and coloring. Some lessons cover color theory or painting techniques, while others focus on fun and accessible projects like drawing popular cartoon characters to help younger or newer students build accuracy and confidence.

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Who can volunteer as a teacher?

We're currently mainly looking for high school students in the Boston/MA area (since we’re just starting out locally). This includes rising freshman and occasional exceptions for qualified middle schoolers. However, we're also looking to expand, so individuals from other areas are more than welcome to send us an email about starting a branch! Volunteers may help lead classes, assist in rooms, or even help create lesson plans.

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Can I earn community service hours through CCF?

Yes! Volunteers can earn hours for planning, organizing, preparing, and teaching classes. CCF has even been pre-approved at Lexington High School to give community service hours as it fits all of the requirements. We’ll walk you through how to log hours, who to send forms to, etc. This is a nonprofit, so it’s unpaid, but a great opportunity to take initiative and build experience.

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What does the organization hope to achieve long term?

Our first project launched in the Summer of 2025 in partnership with ACCESS in Boston's Chinatown! In the future, we hope to collaborate with more local organizations across the globe, possibly hold events in community centers, and even expand to places like senior homes (because it’s never too late to find a passion!). Our goal is to foster creativity, build confidence, and help students gain recognition for their artwork. We’re also pursuing a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status for the future. It’s a process, but we’re working on it!

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Is there adult supervision in classes?​

Yes! There will always be a responsible adult present: either a member from CCF or people from the partnering organization (like regular staff or counselors already supervising the space). Safety and accountability are a priority for us.

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Do partner organizations need to provide the art supplies?

It depends. Some places, like ACCESS, already have a very creative and art-supportive environment. However, we’re also actively working on setting up a donation system, which will enable us to provide high-quality supplies in the future, further enhancing the experience for students. Volunteers do not need to bring any art materials unless they wish to do so.

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Who runs the Creative Catalyst Foundation?

The Creative Catalyst Foundation was founded and is currently run by a team of student leaders. Learn more on the "About Us" page! A board of adult directors also supports CCF by overseeing the legal and some organizational aspects.

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Why should I volunteer?

Volunteering with CCF is a meaningful way to give back through your creativity. You’ll earn community service hours, gain leadership experience, and be part of a flexible, supportive team of student artists making a real impact.

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Where are the programs held?

This depends on the program you sign up for! For example, our first major program took place at ACCESS Chinatown in Boston. As we grow, we hope to organize more programs like that in various locations. 

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Do I need prior teaching experience to volunteer?

Nope! You don’t need teaching experience, but you do need to have some background in art. We’re looking for volunteers who are confident artists and comfortable sharing their skills with others. (Don't worry—you can show us what you’ve done in the volunteer form!)

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What ages does CCF serve?

It varies depending on the partner organization. For example, ACCESS Chinatown serves students in grades K–6. As we expand, we also hope to work with older students, or even adults or seniors, in the future.

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Can I start a branch?

Anyone with a strong foundation in art and a genuine interest in our mission is welcome to reach out about starting a branch/chapter! We're looking to expand our impact. To start a branch in a different town, state, or country, please send us an email, and we will respond as soon as possible. 

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What would starting a branch entail?
If you're a student in Massachusetts, starting a branch of the Creative Catalyst Foundation means establishing it as a club at your school. You can hold meetings to create lesson plans, plan potential partnerships with local organizations to run art programs, hold fundraisers, and more. You will also have access to our pre-made materials.

If you're outside of Massachusetts, the process is similar (starting a club at your school), but you’d also take on a larger leadership role in representing CCF in your area. You’d be helping grow our mission across your state by finding new community connections and bringing free art education to local kids.

We’ll provide guidance and support along the way. You won’t be doing it alone!

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How do I apply to volunteer? 

To volunteer for an event, fill out the form linked to that specific opportunity. Once we review your submission, we’ll follow up with the next steps for getting involved.

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