BCYF is one of the most unique grantmaking organizations in the United States
Instead of being sustained by private endowments, corporations and individuals, we are funded by Baltimore City residents, with an annual appropriation of 3 cents on every $100 of assessed value of all Baltimore City properties dedicated to BCYF.
BCYF awards grants to organizations that provide programming to thousands of Baltimore’s young people ranging from academic support and science exploration to dance and photography and more. Unlike traditional philanthropic efforts in Baltimore, BCYF is committed to authentic community engagement. Our strategy, grantmaking priorities, and grant decisions are shaped and led by Baltimore community members and youth leaders.
Through our strategic investments, we strive to resource a future where 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 serve all our young people.
$32M
Awarded since 2020
91%
Grassroots Fund grants awarded to Black-led organizations
17,000 +
Baltimore Youth Seats Citywide
150 +
Hours of FREE capacity building and technical assistance
Grassroots Fund
The Grassroots Fund (GRF) addresses traditional gaps in Baltimore’s funding landscape by providing funding for grassroots, Baltimore-based, youth-serving organizations to support an organization’s overall mission. BCYF awards multi-year grants to eligible community accountable organizations, disbursing $50,000 annually. Operating on a multi-year grant cycle allows BCYF to invest in building the capacity of its grantees, which positions organizations for success beyond BCYF funding. In addition to financial support, organizations awarded a GRF grant will receive rigorous technical assistance and capacity-building support to help them sustain and grow. A panel of community grant reviewers selects grantees during an annual grant application process.
Aligned Grantmaking Fund
The Aligned Grantmaking Fund (AGF) provides opportunities to create granting partnerships that leverage the impact of collaborative funding investments in infrastructure and ecosystem building. This deepens BCYF’s commitment to investments that leverage additional funding sources for youth-led and youth-focused projects, build the ecosystem of the social sector in Baltimore, and support the leadership development of Black, Brown, Indigenous, and Asian leaders. These are 1-3-year grants or match support for projects. The AGF is an invitation-only grant opportunity.
The President’s Fund
The President’s Fund (TPF) aligns with the BCYF mission, vision, and values and offers flexibility to address pressing issues at the discretion of the President. TPF is an invitation-only grant opportunity.
Community Accountable Fund
The Community Accountable Fund (CAF) supports youth-serving organizations with a demonstrated commitment to being credible with and accountable to youth and the local communities they are proposing to serve. The fund prioritizes programming that supports a specific population of youth that otherwise do not receive adequate support and Black and Brown-led organizations. Grantees are selected through a nomination process.
| Priority | Overview | Outcome |
| Priority 1: Culturally Sustaining | Baltimore’s children and youth deserve access to communities that center cultural wealth, learning based on cultures and the identities of learners and the community, and leveraging cultural assets. | Young people have a sustained connection to culture, heritage, and/or community. |
| Priority 2: Future Forward | Baltimore’s children and youth deserve access to resources and opportunities that will prepare them for the future. | Young people are connected to careers, relationships, and futures that are meaningful and linked to their interests. |
| Priority 3: Doing Well by Doing | Baltimore’s children and youth deserve access to resources that support their social and emotional needs and overall well-being. | Young people feel that their social and emotional needs are met through their experiences. |
| Priority 4: Youth Voice | Baltimore’s children and youth deserve equitable access to platforms that will allow them to develop their perspectives and leadership abilities and amplify their voices. | Young peoples’ voices are valued in ways that change their communities. |
| Priority 5: Networked | Baltimore’s children and youth deserve equitable access to opportunities that embed and expand learning in social networks that include youth, family, and facilitators. | Young people have access to more expansive networks and communities beyond one program. |
According to the BCYF City Ordinance, BCYF funds programs and services that:
- Are active in Baltimore City, with an emphasis on programs or services operating in or meant to assist young people from the communities in Baltimore City most impacted by high poverty
- Are credible with and accountable to youth and the local communities they are proposing to serve;
- Have an element of youth-centered programming; and
- Can demonstrate how they are designed to improve outcomes for young people.
BCYF Announces 2024 Grassroots Fund
We are excited to announce that a new call for grant applications for the Grassroots Fund is coming soon.
What Does It Mean To Be A BCYF Community Reviewer?
Although our staff members bring deep knowledge and expertise to the review process, we feel strongly that members of the community also have a say in how funds are put back into the community.
Apply to be a Grant Reviewer
BCYF is seeking grant review panel members for the Spring 2023 Grant Cycle! Apply to become a grant reviewer for the Grassroots Fund!
