At Baltimore Children & Youth Fund, we are deeply committed to not only funding primarily grassroots, youth-serving organizations but also equipping them with the tools they need to grow, thrive, and create lasting change. Our capacity-building initiatives, like The Gathering and the Pre-Application Technical Assistance (PATA) program, have collectively strengthened hundreds of youth-serving organizations and equipped over 600 individuals with tailored technical assistance and skill-building programs. We’ve seen great success in our capacity-building efforts, with a tangible increase of over 60% of our grantees being in compliance with technical needs over the past year following proper training. In 2024, 92% of our grantees were in compliance, with the remaining 8% actively working with our team to meet requirements before receiving disbursements.
In this video, we are excited to highlight the journeys of three remarkable grantees—J.O.Y. Baltimore, Arts Every Day, and Umar Boxing—who are making a profound impact on young people in Baltimore City. Through BCYF’s capacity-building initiatives, these organizations have gained access to critical resources, training, and support that have strengthened their programs and expanded their reach. You’ll hear directly from their leaders as they share how BCYF’s investments in their capacity have helped them better serve Baltimore’s youth and create transformative opportunities for the next generation.
J.O.Y. Baltimore: Advocating for Youth in Need
J.O.Y. (Just Our Youth) Baltimore is a beacon of hope for homeless and at-risk youth in our city. Their mission is to provide safe spaces and essential resources for young people facing some of life’s toughest challenges.
From emergency shelter and housing assistance to mentorship and mental health support, J.O.Y. Baltimore ensures that no young person feels alone in their struggles. They also emphasize leadership development and self-empowerment, giving youth the tools they need to thrive despite their circumstances. By addressing both immediate needs and long-term growth, J.O.Y. Baltimore is creating pathways for success and resilience.
Arts Every Day: Inspiring Creativity in Every Classroom
Arts Every Day believes that access to the arts is a fundamental right for every child. Through their innovative programs, they bring visual arts, music, theater, and dance to Baltimore City Public Schools, transforming classrooms into vibrant spaces for creativity and self-expression.
The organization partners with educators and teaching artists to integrate the arts into core curricula, helping students see the world—and themselves—in new and inspiring ways. Arts Every Day doesn’t just teach young people how to create art; they empower them to use art as a tool for storytelling, problem-solving, and building connections in their communities.
Umar Boxing: Building Strength and Discipline
At Umar Boxing, young people learn far more than how to throw a punch. Founded on the principles of discipline, respect, and perseverance, the program uses boxing as a vehicle for personal growth and community building.
Young participants gain physical fitness and mental resilience while developing critical life skills like goal-setting, time management, and teamwork. The coaches at Umar Boxing serve as mentors and role models, instilling confidence and a sense of purpose in every young person who walks through their doors. It’s not just about winning matches—it’s about winning in life
