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Baltimore Children And Youth Fund Inc

Grant Range
Up to $0.1M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: Not publicly disclosed
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Not specified
  • Grant Range: Up to $50,000 annually
  • Geographic Focus: Baltimore City, Maryland

Contact Details

Overview

Baltimore Children & Youth Fund (BCYF) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that stewards public funds to ensure Baltimore's children and youth are healthy, ready to succeed in school, and live in stable, safe, and supportive families and communities. The organization is uniquely funded through a dedicated 3-cent tax on every $100 of Baltimore City property value, providing a sustainable funding stream for youth-serving organizations. BCYF's mission centers on creating a more just, creative, and abundant Baltimore where all young people can live, thrive, and lead. The organization operates under the principle that "those closest to the challenges are best equipped to design the solutions," emphasizing community-driven leadership and racial equity in its grantmaking approach.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • Grassroots Fund (GRF): $50,000 annually - Multi-year general operating support for Baltimore-based youth-serving organizations. Selected by community grant reviewers with technical assistance included.
  • Community Accountable Fund (CAF): Amount varies - Supports youth-serving organizations prioritizing underserved populations, particularly Black and Brown-led organizations. Selected through nomination process.
  • Aligned Grantmaking Fund (AGF): Amount varies - Collaborative funding partnerships for 1-3 year grants. Invitation-only.
  • President's Fund (TPF): Amount varies - Flexible funding at President's discretion. Invitation-only.
  • Summer of Possibility Fund: Amount varies - Supporting summer programming for youth.

Priority Areas

BCYF's 2023-2025 investment priorities focus on:

  • Culturally Sustaining: Supporting culturally relevant programming
  • Future Forward: Preparing youth for future success
  • Doing Well by Doing: Emphasizing wellness and action
  • Youth Voice: Centering youth perspectives and leadership
  • Networked: Building connections and collaborative approaches

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, BCYF exclusively funds:

  • Organizations active in Baltimore City
  • Youth-centered programming
  • Organizations credible with and accountable to youth

Governance and Leadership

BCYF is led by Board Chair Larry Simmons Jr. and maintains a dedicated staff team managing strategy, grants, communications, finance, and community engagement. The organization emphasizes intergenerational leadership and community ownership in its governance approach.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are accepted through online forms during specific application windows. The most recent open application period was January 25 - February 23, 2023. BCYF offers Pre-Application Technical Assistance (PATA) to support applicants in preparing strong proposals. Applications are reviewed through a Community Grant Review process involving community members in funding decisions.

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly disclosed, though the organization uses a community review process that includes multiple stages of evaluation.

Success Rates

Success rates and number of applications received versus awarded are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations that apply for BCYF grant funding are ineligible to serve on the Grant Review Panel in the same year, suggesting annual application cycles. Specific reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants are not publicly stated.

Application Success Factors

Based on BCYF's stated priorities and approach:

  • Demonstrate deep roots and credibility within Baltimore's youth community
  • Show how programming aligns with BCYF's investment priorities, particularly cultural sustainability and youth voice
  • Emphasize racial equity and service to underserved populations, especially Black and Brown youth
  • Highlight community accountability and youth-centered approaches
  • Present clear evidence of potential to improve youth outcomes
  • For Black and Brown-led organizations, emphasize this leadership in applications as it aligns with funding priorities

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • BCYF prioritizes community-driven solutions and believes those closest to challenges are best equipped to design solutions
  • The organization has both open application processes (Grassroots and Community Accountable Funds) and invitation-only opportunities
  • Multi-year funding is available through the Grassroots Fund, providing stability for organizations
  • Technical assistance and capacity-building support are integral parts of their grantmaking
  • Community members participate directly in grant review decisions through their Community Grant Review process
  • Focus on demonstrating authentic relationships with Baltimore youth and accountability to the community
  • The organization values racial equity, intergenerational leadership, and collective decision-making as core principles

References

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