The Foundation considers specific obstacles that keep underserved youth from realizing their full potential and identifies key junctures, or inflection points, where grants might change the course of their lives.

From there, the Foundation looks for innovative programs, partnerships, and solutions that address those junctures, and are grounded in positive, long-term outcomes, dividing giving into four main categories: Catalytic Giving, Strategic Partnerships, Targeted Problem Solving, and Proven Models.

Ruth Smadbeck began as a volunteer in the 1930s and ran the foundation for over 50 years, including its programs of dance, orchestra, exercise, swimming, the purchase and distribution of necessities for indigent children, a kindergarten, a theater, a craft room, a senior lounge, a photography group, a library, and a thrift shop.

Renowned real estate entrepreneur and civic leader Louis Smadbeck became chairman of the foundation in 1986, and continued in this capacity until his death in 1992.

Finally, in proven models, the foundation provides grants to organizations and institutions whose work it is proud to have supported over multiple years.