About BCYF

Our Mission

Baltimore Children & Youth Fund (BCYF) is a nonprofit organization stewarding public funds to ensure our children and youth are healthy, ready to succeed in school and live in stable, safe and supportive families and communities.

Our Vision

Our vision is that children and youth throughout the city enjoy access to high-caliber enrichment and learning opportunities, and children and youth programs have the resources they need to equitably serve all our young people.

young boys learning how to tie ties
two children participating in an educational activity

BCYF's History

group of protestors demanding fair development

Following unrest in Baltimore City, the youth fund is conceived as a way to direct more public resources to programs serving young people.

2015

The voters of Baltimore City overwhelmingly approve the youth fund in a referendum.

2016

community members gathering to learn

A community task force develops the blueprint for BCYF.

Baltimore City Council named Associated Black Charities (ABC) as BCYF’s interim operator.

Read the taskforce recommendations2017

Community sessions identify priority investment areas and a RFP process, and grants team-approved first round of grants.

2018

children dressed up in costumes

Second round grants process and the transition of BCYF to independent status begin.

2019

BCYF is formally established, creating an independent entity to oversee the fund.

2020

bcyf staff working at a community event

BCYF team establishes organizational infrastructure; begins process of hiring staff, focusing on community capacity building, technical assistance and aligned grantmaking.

2021

Request for Proposals for new grants anticipated for second quarter.

Permanent staff to be hired to lead BCYF.

2022