About
History
Establishing a fund to support children and youth
The effort to create a dedicated fund to support programs for Baltimore’s young people was launched in 2015 by then-City Council President Bernard “Jack” C. Young — a response to the unrest in Baltimore following the death of Freddie Gray while in police custody, an event that sharply illuminated longstanding inequities in public funding in Black communities. The Baltimore City Council approved the creation of the Fund through a charter amendment sent to the ballot in November 2016. The measure was approved by voters in November 2016 with more than 80 percent support.
The charter amendment calls for BCYF to receive an annual appropriation that is at least $0.03 on every $100 of assessed or assessable value of all property in the City of Baltimore.
Following unrest in Baltimore City, the youth fund is conceived as a way to direct more public resources to programs serving young people.
The voters of Baltimore City overwhelmingly approve the youth fund in a referendum.
A community task force develops the blueprint for BCYF.
Baltimore City Council named Associated Black Charities (ABC) as BCYF’s interim operator.
Community sessions identify priority investment areas and a RFP process, and grants team-approved first round of grants.
Second round grants process and the transition of BCYF to independent status begin.
BCYF is formally established, creating an independent entity to oversee the fund.
BCYF team establishes organizational infrastructure; begins process of hiring staff, focusing on community capacity building, technical assistance and aligned grantmaking.
Request for Proposals for new grants anticipated for second quarter.
Permanent staff to be hired to lead BCYF.
