How Zendaya’s Theater Journey…
Many young performers dream of red carpets, but few understand the gritty…
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The Michael's Daughter Foundation.
Welcome to The Michael’s Daughter Foundation, where we spark inspiration and imagination to youth and families through arts programs; fostering personal growth and brighter futures.
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Our Stories: Spring 2024
Animation Program at Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Facility and Girls Athletic Leadership School
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We’re Hiring
If you’re passionate about working with youth and creating meaningful content, then we’d love to have you on our team!
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THE MICHAEL'S DAUGHTER FOUNDATION
From imagination to inspiration, we open doors for youth to explore, create, and thrive through the arts.
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The Michael's Daughter Foundation
Inspiring growth and resilience through storytelling, arts, filmmaking, and enrichment programs for youth and families in under-resourced communities and system-impacted indiviuals.
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About Us
Building Brighter Futures Through the Arts
The Michael’s Daughter Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing free and low-cost arts programs to youth and families from under-resourced communities—including system-impacted youth and those affected by the incarceration of a loved one.
Through filmmaking, animation, theater, and writing, we help young people express themselves, build confidence, and imagine new possibilities.
Beyond the arts, we offer financial literacy workshops, emergency support, and scholarships—because thriving takes more than talent, it takes access.
Learn more about our impact and how you can be part of the movement.
Our Programs
Creative Empowerment Through Storytelling, Skill-Building & Community
The Michael’s Daughter Foundation offers year-round, high-impact programming that supports youth and families impacted by incarceration and systemic challenges. From in-school residencies to red carpet screenings, our programs blend creativity, education, and care—providing opportunities for healing, expression, and growth.
Dream Forward Arts in Residency (In-School)
Our flagship, semester-long arts education program offered in Title I middle and high schools across Los Angeles County. Aligned with California VAPA and Common Core standards, students explore live-action filmmaking, animation, or puppetry while building storytelling, collaboration, and communication skills. Final tests contribute to academic grades, and optional field trips deepen career exposure.
Learn More Juvenile Facility CTE Residencies
In partnership with LA County Probation, this program serves secure-track youth ages 14–26 inside Barry J. Nidorff and Los Padrinos facilities. Youth learn screenwriting, animation, and voiceover, culminating in original animated short films. The program aligns with California Career Technical Education (CTE) standards and ends with an onsite red carpet screening.
Learn More Afterschool Arts Programming
Our afterschool residencies offer middle school youth a safe, engaging, and joyful space to create. Students explore animation, filmmaking, creative writing, or puppetry, building confidence and connection while strengthening SEL and artistic skills. Programs are customized per school site and often end with community showcases.
Learn More Summer Arts Programs
Held in partnership with schools, parks, and community centers, these immersive summer programs keep creativity alive all season long. Students participate in short film production, animation workshops, and collaborative art, with final projects shared through community screenings and celebrations.
Learn More Money Talks: Financial Literacy
In partnership with Chase Bank Crenshaw Community Center, this program equips youth and families with real-world tools for budgeting, saving, and building wealth. Offered in juvenile facilities, classrooms, and through community field trips, Money Talks covers topics like money management, credit, entrepreneurship, and more.
Learn More Red Carpet Student Screening
Our annual, community-wide celebration of youth creativity. Participants walk the red carpet and screen their original short films and animations in professional theaters. Open to families, friends, and supporters, this event also offers vendor and sponsorship opportunities and reminds students that their voices—and their work—matter.
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Who We Are
The Michael’s Daughter Foundation was formed by actress Ciera Payton after dealing with the incarceration of her father. Now, her non-profit provides free or low-cost arts programs to youth and families struggling with similar situations
Our Foundation
Art is the foundation of everything we do. It heals, revives, and serves as a basis of education. Our programs range from writing and visual arts to producing short films. Each session always ends with possibility and smiling faces.
Ways to Give
We are a 501c3 non-profit organization, and we welcome all donations and gifts. Your generosity is what fuels our programs and keeps at-risk youth in school and off the streets.
Our Impact
Touching Lives, Changing Tomorrows
Empowering futures through compassion and action, we transform lives with hope and opportunity.
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Financial Literacy Workshops
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Youth-created short films
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Blog & News
Blog & Articles
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