Join BCYF!
Become a Paid Community Grant Reviewer
for the 2026 – 2027 Grant Cycle
Help shape funding decisions that create meaningful and engaging opportinities for youth in Baltimore City.
Each time we open a new funding opportunity at Baltimore Children and Fund, our goal is to make sure we’re funding organizations that offer meaningful and engaging services for youth in Baltimore City. We are entrusted with public funds, and we take our task of investing it responsibly very seriously.
What Does It Mean To Be A BCYF Community Reviewer?
Each time we open a new funding opportunity at Baltimore Children and Fund, our goal is to make sure we’re funding organizations that offer meaningful and engaging services for youth in Baltimore City. We are entrusted with public funds, and we take our task of investing it responsibly very seriously.
To receive BCYF funding, organizations must first apply, explaining to us what services they plan to provide and what impact they expect those services to have on youth in Baltimore City. Once applications are submitted, it’s time for our team to begin reviewing so we can make recommendations to our board on who should receive funding. Our board makes the final decision on all funding opportunities.
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. Each time we open a new funding opportunity, we invite community members from outside of our organization to help us review applications.
Now What?
Applications are now open! Apply here. We’re excited to welcome community members to apply to serve as a BCYF Community Grant Reviewer and appreciate your interest in supporting a community-led grantmaking process.
We are looking for people with two types of backgrounds (or both!) to help us review applications and make recommendations to our board.
First, we’re looking for people with lived experience in the youth programming space. This means you have had some personal experience working in, designing and/or operating youth programs; attended or benefitted from youth programs and/or are familiar with Baltimore’s youth service landscape. You may have used these services yourself, or you may have experience helping youth navigate them. Both are valuable experiences to draw from when helping us decide which services are best for our community.
We’re also looking for people who have professional experience working with youth and/or designing and/or operating youth programs as well as those with grant reviewing experience. If your background is in managing youth non-profits, social work, education, the arts, counseling, grant reviewing or any other relevant subject area, your experience can help us make the right choices.
Community reviewers cannot currently work for or provide services for an organization that is applying to receive BCYF funding. While many people who work for these organizations have strong expertise in the youth programming field, we feel it’s important to keep this separation to ensure the process is as fair as possible.
In short, community reviewers play a key role in helping us assess whether an organization is a suitable candidate for BCYF funding.
Their main responsibilities include:
- Review and score applications from youth serving organizations
- Participate in BCYF training to learn the review process
- Apply your community perspective to support fair and equitable decisions
- Help strengthen how resources flow to young people across Baltimore
- Be part of a team committed to transparency and community voice
- Attend a total of 10 CGR Sessions
Each reviewer will be assigned to a group, led by a Group Facilitator. Everyone in the group will review the same applications, using our online platform, both individually and as a group. The Group Facilitator will guide discussions to finalize scores. During a consensus session, the group will collectively decide which organizations to recommend for funding.
There are a few things each community reviewer will need to participate, including:
- Access to a computer, preferably a laptop, with Reliable Internet access to participate in training sessions and complete reviews and scoring
- Ability to commit time throughout the review period for scoring
- Ability to use our online application reviewing platform (training will be provided)
- Ability to manage timely communications with BCYF staff via email or phone throughout the review process
Before we start reviewing, we have an Orientation session for all reviewers to walk you through the process and answer any questions you might have. Our staff is also available throughout the review period to support you and make sure you understand your role and responsibilities.
Being a community reviewer offers you the opportunity to influence how BCYF reinvests funds into the community and ensures that youth have access to quality programs. Your insights and expertise will help us choose the services that will have the greatest impact, making a real difference in the lives of children and youth in Baltimore City.
We value your time and expertise, which is why Community Grant Reviewers receive compensation. Reviewers will receive $3,500 for an estimated 70-hour commitment throughout the review process.
After the community grant review is complete, the Board of Directors’ role is to steward the final approval of the recommended slate. In doing so, the Board is not re-scoring individual applications or overriding community input. Instead, they are looking at the slate as a whole to ensure it meets BCYF’s public responsibilities and strategic commitments.
Specifically, the Board considers whether the recommended slate:
Faithfully reflects community review outcomes, including scores, feedback, and identified strengths.
Aligns with BCYF’s mission, values, and strategic priorities, including equity, youth impact, and community leadership.
Meets legal, fiduciary, and compliance requirements tied to public funding.
Maintains balance and reach across communities, issue areas, and organizational types as intended by the funding opportunity.
Is financially sound and sustainable, given available resources and budget constraints.
The Board’s approval is a final accountability step to ensure that community-informed recommendations can be responsibly funded and implemented—honoring community voice while upholding BCYF’s obligations as a public funder.
This Tool Kit is designed to help you determine whether serving as a Community Grant Reviewer is the right opportunity for you.
Before applying, we encourage you to review this guide to learn about:
- The role and responsibilities of a Community Grant Reviewer.
- The grant opportunities you will help review.
- Eligibility requirements and the selection process.
- Required training, meeting dates, and the overall service commitment.
- The reviewer stipend and participant supports, including meals and parking for in-person sessions.
- BCYF’s confidentiality and conflict-of-interest requirements.
- What to expect throughout the Community Grant Review process—from application through funding recommendations.
Reviewing this guide before applying will help you understand the commitment involved and prepare you to make an informed decision about serving as a Community Grant Reviewer.
Timeline
Community Grant Reviewer Application Opens
Community Grant Reviewer Application Closes
Community Grant Reviewer
Review and Score Community Grant Reviewer Applications
CGR Confirmations distributed to selected Reviewers
CGR Training Session 1: Foundations of Community Grant Review
CGR Training Session 2: Preparing for Application Review
Summer of Possibilities Fund (SPF) CGR Session 1 Kickoff: Why Summer Matters
SPF CGR Session 2: Reviewing with Purpose and Practice
SPF CGR Session 3: Collaborative Review & Consensus Building
SPF CGR Session 4: Final Deliberations & Recommendations
Grassroots & Community Accountable Fund (GRF/CAF) CGR Session 1 Kickoff: Understanding BCYF's Community Accountable Fund & Grassroots Fund
GRF/CAF CGR Session 2: Reviewing with Purpose and Practice
GRF/CAF CGR Session 3: Collaborative Review & Consensus Building
GRF/CAF CGR Session 4: Final Deliberations & Recommendations
2024 Grassroots Fund
For the fourth year in a row, BCYF) will steward funds to city nonprofits who help Baltimore’s children and youth thrive. BCYF is hosting several assistance sessions to support applicants through the application process.
Please see the full schedule below:
Date: Thursday, January 25, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Facilitator: Hana Machover, Charisse Paige, and Lori James Townes
Description:
This event is open to any Baltimore City-based organizations interested in applying for the Grassroots Fund. We will share the Application Toolkit and important dates for the 2024 grant cycle. We will also welcome current grantees for a Grantee Panel to share their experiences with BCYF and the impact funding has had on their programs. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask the panelists questions.
Check out the presentation
Application Opens!
Date: Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Facilitator: Lori James Townes
Description:
During this interactive session, participants will gain valuable insights and skills necessary for effectively developing mission, vision, and value statements for their programs. We will explore the essential components of a compelling vision statement, understand the significance of a well-defined mission statement, and discuss the importance of aligning values with organizational goals. Through engaging discussions and practical exercises, participants will learn techniques to craft impactful statements that inspire and guide their program’s growth. By the end of this session, participants will possess the necessary skills to articulate their program’s mission, vision, and values effectively, setting a strong foundation for future development and growth.
Check out the presentation
Check out the resources shared during this session (to make any changes to any of the documents, please make a copy or download)
Date: Thursday, February 8, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location:
The Cube Cowork
4709 Harford Rd.
Baltimore, MD 21214
Facilitator: Lori James Townes
Description:
This session will provide attendees with computers, internet access and application development support. Attendees may bring their own device or borrow one* and receive application support from one of our team members.
During this session, you may receive support with the following:
- Application Review
- Grant Writing
- Narrative Reporting
- Mission, Vision, and Values
- Metrics/Outcomes
- …and so much more!
*Please be advised that supply may be limited.
Childcare and transportation assistance may be available upon request.
Date: Monday, February 12, 2024
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Facilitator: Dr. Pam Love
Description:
During this session, participants will explore the necessary considerations needed to develop a grant plan.
Session Goals
- Discuss the Proposed Project’s Key Purpose, Duration, Activities, Foreseeable Impact, and Expected Outcomes
- Define the Proposed Project’s SMARTIE (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-Specific, Inclusive, and Equitable) Goals and Objectives
- Consider the Proposed Project’s Strengths, Limitations, and Challenges through two lenses: SWOT Analysis and PESTLE Analysis
- Explore expected deliverables, timeline, project management, collaborative capacity, resources, evaluation methodology, evaluation plan, performance reporting, and budget.
- Contemplate Project Stewardship, Community-Stakeholders Responsibility and Post-Grant Sustainability
Check out the presentation
Check out the resources shared during this session (to make any changes to any of the documents, please make a copy or download)
Date: Thursday, February 15, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location:
Enoch Pratt Central Library in Classroom 1801
400 Cathedral St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
Facilitator: Lori James Townes and Members of our Finance Team
Description:
This session will provide attendees with computers, internet access and application development support. Attendees may bring their own device or borrow one* and receive application support from one of our team members.
During this session, you may receive support with the following:
- Application Review
- Grant Writing
- Narrative Reporting
- Mission, Vision, and Values
- Metrics/Outcomes
- …and so much more!
We will also have members of our finance team on-site to answer any budgeting questions as it pertains to the GRF application. These team members will not be at every Launchpad. If you have any budget-related questions, we highly recommend that you attend this session.
*Please be advised that supply may be limited.
Childcare and transportation assistance may be available upon request.
Date: Thursday, February 22, 2024
Time: 6:15 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location:
Enoch Pratt Brooklyn Branch
300 E Patapsco Ave., Baltimore, MD 21225
Facilitator: Dr. Pam Love Manning
Description:
This session will provide attendees with computers, internet access and application development support. Attendees may bring their own device or borrow one* and receive application support from one of our team members.
During this session, you may receive support with the following:
- Application Review
- Grant Writing
- Narrative Reporting
- Mission, Vision, and Values
- Metrics/Outcomes
- …and so much more!
*Please be advised that supply may be limited.
Childcare and transportation assistance may be available upon request.
Application Closes at 5:00 p.m.
2024 Application Toolkit
The 2024 Grassroots Fund Application Toolkit is a resource for applicants as they prepare their applications. Within the toolkit, you will find the following:
- Application Checklist
- Please refer to this list to ensure you have all of the documents needed to complete your application successfully.
- Application Workbook
- The workbook contains thorough information about completing your application, what to expect if awarded a Grassroots Fund grant, a text-version of the application, and the scoring rubric.
- Grant Application (editable version)
- Grant Application (pdf version)
- Allowable Costs Reference Guide
- The Grassroots Fund grant is not unrestricted funds. Please review this list of allowable costs if awarded a Grassroots Fund grant.
- Grantee Reporting Requirements one-pager
- BCYF Expense Template
- BCYF Expense Template (pdf version)
- This template should be used to develop your proposed Year 1 Grant Award Budget.
- Budget Review Checklist
1:1 Application Support
We are offering 1:1 Application Support for anyone interested in receiving more tailored support with their application. Please review the areas of expertise for each of our Technical Assistance providers and use the calendar links below to schedule. In-person and virtual options are available.
If you have any questions about scheduling, please contact hmachover@bcyfund.org or gmta@bcyfund.org.
Lead Consultant: Lori James Townes
Lori James Townes, President of Expand-NOW, LLC, is a highly experienced professional with a strong background in program development, teaching, and training. Her expertise lies in crafting innovative programs that inspire and empower individuals to reach their full potential. With a passion for leadership and program development, Lori has successfully designed and implemented numerous successful curriculum and training modules, making a profound impact on the lives of countless learners.
Lori James Townes – Virtual Technical Assistance Appointments
Lori James Townes – In-Person Technical Assistance Appointments
Dr. Pam Love Manning
Pam Love is an inspirational speaker, executive and life coach, and an expert in the areas of training and development.
Pam was appointed by Maryland’s Governor to the Family Violence Council. She is the Governance Committee Co-Chair of Executive Alliance, an Emeritus Director of the University System of Maryland Foundation Board, and the former Chair of the University’s Development Foundation Board. She earned an MBA, PhD, MSW and graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s in Applied Psychology.
Dr. Pam Love Manning – Virtual Technical Assistance Appointments
Dr. Pam Love Manning – In-Person Technical Assistance Appointments
Amy Kulp
Amy Kulp, MS, has over 26 years of nonprofit management experience, and currently works as an account executive for an association management company, serving as the executive director for multiple clients. Amy’s areas of expertise relevant to the BCYF grant application are developing a budget, completing and filing the IRS 990, aligning applications to BCYF’s values and mission, explaining key components of the grant application, establishing program outcomes, editing and structuring content to meet application requirements, technical writing, and providing feedback on applications prior to final submission.
Amy Kulp – Virtual Technical Assistance Appointments
Kirsten Gettys Downs
Kirsten Gettys Downs is the Executive Director of the Homeless Persons Representation Project. Previously, Kirsten served as the District Public Defender in Baltimore City. Additionally, she has served as the Deputy District Public Defender in Montgomery County, the Chief Attorney for the Western District Court Division in Baltimore City, and Assistant Public Defender in both the District and Circuit Courts of Prince George’s County. In addition to her legal work at the Maryland Office of the Public Defender, Ms. Downs has served as a Federal Public Defender in the US Virgin Islands and as Special Counsel for the United States Department of Justice under Janet Reno.
Kirsten Gettys Downs – Virtual Technical Assistance Appointments
Additional Resources and Materials
Our team has developed the following resources and materials to guide you in the development of your Grassroots Fund application as well as any future grants you may wish to apply to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please send all questions about the application or application process to gmta@bcyfund.org.
If you have technical questions about your application submission, you may email them to gmta@bcyfund.org up until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, to ensure that our team has the appropriate time to answer your questions before the application deadline. We will do our best to respond as quickly as possible. However, due to the high volume of submissions on the deadline, we cannot guarantee an immediate response. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Answer: If your organization is not a 501(c)(3), you will need a fiscal sponsor. “A fiscal sponsor is a nonprofit organization that provides fiduciary oversight, financial management, and other administrative services to help build the capacity of charitable projects” (National Council of Nonprofits, 2024). Please review the below articles for more information:
Answer: Does not have to be based in Maryland, but does need to have a Certificate of Good Standing in the State of Maryland.
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!
