Welcome to another episode of A Good Pour! I’m thrilled to be joined by my dear friend and the incredible executive director of the Carolyn Smith Foundation, Katherine Louw. For years, Katherine has been a beacon of generosity, vision, and leadership in the nonprofit world. I’ve personally witnessed her passion for making a difference, and I am so excited to share her story with you today.
The Foundation’s Mission: Doing Good Work Across Tennessee
The Carolyn Smith Foundation is based in Sumner County, but its reach stretches across Middle Tennessee and even nationally. As a grant-making organization, they focus on supporting causes in a variety of fields—everything from animals and arts to healthcare and military veterans. Since Katherine joined in 2021, she’s helped the foundation connect people and organizations to make a greater impact.
Katherine’s background in nonprofit fundraising has shaped her approach to philanthropy. As a connector of people, she bridges gaps within communities, bringing together leaders who may otherwise feel isolated in their work. It’s this unique ability to forge meaningful relationships that really sets the foundation’s work apart.
Doing Good Work: The Power of Connections
For Katherine, good work doesn’t just mean writing checks or handing out grants. She approaches it from three angles: financial capital, human capital, and intellectual capital. By balancing these elements, she’s able to foster connections and offer valuable insights to nonprofit leaders who often feel overwhelmed or discouraged.
“I love making matches,” Katherine says with a smile. “I’m not just giving away money, I’m connecting people with one another and helping them see the bigger picture.”
This is one of the reasons I admire Katherine so much. She doesn’t just focus on writing grants—she listens. She’s a trusted partner to nonprofit leaders, providing them with guidance and support. And when it comes to the bigger challenges nonprofits face, Katherine encourages them to tap into each other’s expertise.
A Beautiful Example of Good Work: Helping Organizations Thrive
One of the most inspiring stories Katherine shared was about a small nonprofit working with homeless men in Nashville. The organization struggled to raise funds for its programs, so the Carolyn Smith Foundation offered a matching grant of $25,000. The nonprofit was hesitant, unsure whether they could even raise that much, but Katherine believed in them.
With some creative fundraising, the nonprofit exceeded all expectations, raising $83,000 by the end of the year. That’s the kind of impact Katherine has: not just handing out a check but instilling confidence and providing the tools to make a lasting difference.
Generosity Starts with Us: Why It Matters
Katherine’s heart for generosity shines through in her work. Whether she’s helping to fund a water well in a developing country or providing much-needed resources for organizations locally, she truly embodies the idea that “it’s more blessed to give than to receive.”
“We are too often focused on what we can consume, and we forget that giving has a power all its own,” Katherine reflects. After her first trip to Haiti, Katherine realized just how much more fulfilling it is to give. That experience has shaped the way she approaches generosity—not just as a transaction, but as a way of life.
Building a Culture of Giving: How Businesses Can Get Involved
I know many of you reading this run businesses or work in companies that could make a huge impact by giving back to your community. Katherine encourages business leaders to find ways to connect with their communities, whether through direct financial support, volunteering, or offering time and resources to causes that align with their values.
“Start by having a conversation within your team,” Katherine advises. “Ask where your passions lie and where you can make the most impact. Generosity doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Find what feels right for your team and go from there.”
A Final Word: The Value of Relationships
As busy professionals, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters. For Katherine, relationships are the key to everything she does, both personally and professionally. Her friendships—like the one we’ve built over the years—have been the lifeblood of her success.
For me, this conversation with Katherine has been a reminder of the power of community, connection, and generosity. If you’re looking for a way to give back or get involved in doing good work, I highly recommend checking out the Carolyn Smith Foundation. Their website is full of resources, and Katherine is always there to help connect people and ideas.
Thank you, Katherine, for all you do, and for being a true friend and inspiration. You’re making the world a better place, one connection at a time.