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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. Each awarded organization receives $75,000 annually for a period of three years. The fund prioritizes programming that supports a specific population of youth that otherwise do not receive adequate support and Black and Brown-led organizations.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the CAF is:
- Baltimore City-based and serves children and youth, ages 24 years and under;
- Maryland 501(c)(3) organization or has a confirmed Fiscal Sponsorship;
- Annual operating budget of $350,000-$500,000;
- Has been in existence for at least one year;
- Has at least one year of experience running youth programs; and
- 51% or more of its employees are Baltimore City residents.
Please note:
- BCYF funds can only be used to support programming that is Baltimore-based and youth-centered. We do not provide unrestricted funding.
- Current BCYF Grantees are ineligible to apply, unless you are a President’s Fund or Aligned Grantmaking Fund grantee and your grant term ends on 8/31/2026. Grassroots Fund and Community Accountable Organization Fund grantees must wait one year following grant closure to re-apply for BCYF funding (i.e., if your GRF award ends 8/31/2026, you may apply with the application that opens in January 2027, as those grant awards will begin 9/1/2027). Current grantees include: Grassroots Fund, President’s Fund, Community Accountable Organization Fund, and Aligned Grantmaking Fund Grantees.
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.
