Now Accepting Applications:
Join the BCYF Board of Directors
Your Voice. Your Leadership. Baltimore’s Future.
Join the BCYF Board of Directors and help shape the future of Baltimore City’s youth. Our intergenerational board brings together community leaders and young people ages 14 and up to share ideas, leadership, and decision-making power.
We encourage prospective applicants to attend one of our Coffee + Board Info Pop-Ups.
These informal 30-minute sessions are hosted by current board members and offer an opportunity to:
- Learn about BCYF and board service
- Ask questions about the application process
- Connect with board members and staff
Pop-Up Info Sessions:
April 9 — Morning and Evening Sessions
These sessions are helpful but not required to apply.
Application timeline
| April 1 | Application Opens |
| April 9 | Coffee + Board Info Pop-Ups |
| April 30 | Application Closes |
| May 1–20 | Application Review & Interviews |
| May 30 | Final Decisions Shared |
| September 15 | In-Person Orientation |
| September 30 | Board Onboarding Complete |
BCYF board members are community leaders, advocates, and changemakers. They bring their lived experiences, professional skills, and passion for youth development to every conversation.
Hear directly from current board members about what the experience means to them:
“Serving on the BCYF Board has been an immensely valuable experience, both professionally and personally… I’ve grown as a leader in Baltimore.”
— Tiera Hawkes, Board Member
“Being a board member means using your voice to influence decisions that directly impact Baltimore City’s youth.”
— Chan’nel Williams, Board Member
“Intergenerational leadership is key to our success—blending wisdom with fresh ideas to create lasting impact.”
— Larry Simmons, Board Chair
“When young people are given the space, resources, and support to lead, they don’t just participate—they transform.”
— Britt Hayes, Racial Equity Chair
Why serve on the BCYF Board?
Serving on the BCYF Board of Directors is more than just a leadership opportunity—it’s a chance to contribute to meaningful change for Baltimore City’s youth and communities. BCYF board members work together to guide the organization’s strategy, steward resources responsibly, and ensure that youth-centered initiatives across Baltimore have the support they need to thrive. Board members gain valuable leadership experience, strengthen their networks, and collaborate with community leaders committed to equity and opportunity for young people.
As a BCYF Board member, you will:
- Grow as a community and civic leader
- Build professional and social networks
- Contribute to meaningful change for Baltimore youth
- Advocate for youth-centered solutions
- Join a collaborative, intergenerational leadership team
Board members collaborate to ensure responsible oversight of funding and policies that support Baltimore youth. Members also help shape strategic priorities and serve as connectors between BCYF and the broader community.
Board service typically includes monthly engagement, including board meetings, committee meetings, and occasional events.
We welcome applicants who bring lived experience, curiosity, and commitment to equity. We are especially seeking candidates with experience in:
- Finance or nonprofit finance
- Development and fundraising
- Strategic leadership and governance
- Youth development or community engagement
Applicants must live in Baltimore City or Baltimore County AND have strong ties to Baltimore City.
Ready to Apply? Submit Your Application Today
At BCYF, we recognize that people communicate and express themselves in different ways. We invite applicants to share their stories in the format that feels most authentic. You may apply using one of the following options:
- Written Submission Complete the application form and share your responses in writing.
- Audio Submission Submit a short (2–3 minute) audio response to the application prompts.
- Video Submission Record a short video response.
- Live Conversation Schedule a conversation with a BCYF team member to respond to the application prompts.
- We offer multiple options so applicants can share their perspectives in the way that best reflects their voice and experiences.
Frequently asked questions
The Baltimore Children & Youth Fund (BCYF) builds partnerships that support the ecosystem focused on opportunities for Baltimore youth by providing resources to leaders and organizations.
BCYF envisions a more just, creative, and abundant Baltimore where young people live, thrive, and lead.
The FY26 application opens April 1 and closes April 30.
Applicants must:
- Be 14 years or older
- Live in Baltimore City, OR
- Live in Baltimore County with strong ties to Baltimore City
Strong ties may include educational, professional, religious, or community connections.
No previous board experience is required. We welcome applicants with lived experience and a commitment to equity, youth leadership, and community engagement.
BCYF is recruiting 2–3 new board members.
We are especially interested in candidates with experience in:
- Finance or nonprofit finance
- Development and fundraising
- Strategic leadership or governance
We also welcome applicants with experience in:
- Youth development
- Community organizing
- Racial equity work
- Advocacy or public policy
Board members typically engage about once per month, including:
- Full board meetings
- Committee meetings
- Occasional BCYF events
Most meetings are virtual, with several in-person gatherings each year.
Yes. BCYF board members commit to 100% board giving, meaning each member contributes annually in a way that is personally meaningful and appropriate for them.
No. Prior board experience is not required. We are looking for individuals who bring:
- Lived experience
- Commitment to youth and community
- Curiosity and willingness to learn
- Alignment with BCYF values
No. Attending a Coffee + Board Info Pop-Up is optional, but it is a helpful opportunity to learn more about BCYF and ask questions before applying.
For questions about the application process, please contact:
Emily Cory
ecory@bcyfund.org
