BCYF enhances youth grants with strategic support and community engagement initiatives

In the heart of Baltimore, the City Council convened to discuss vital initiatives aimed at empowering the city's youth and supporting older adults. The Education, Youth, and Older Adults Committee meeting on March 27, 2025, highlighted the Baltimore City Youth Fund's (BCYF) commitment to fostering a robust support system for local organizations dedicated to youth development.

Sheree Miller, co-director of grant making for BCYF, detailed the rigorous selection process for grantees, emphasizing compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Each application undergoes thorough scrutiny, beginning with the BCYS grant-making team, which verifies the applicant's legal standing and financial health. Successful applications then face a community review panel, where they are evaluated based on their potential impact, alignment with BCYF's mission, and budget feasibility.

Miller explained that BCYF has implemented a structured compliance framework to ensure responsible stewardship of public funds. Grantees are required to submit monthly financial reports and quarterly programming updates, which are reviewed to track progress and ensure accountability. This meticulous process has resulted in a 92% compliance rate among current grantees, showcasing the effectiveness of the new batch disbursement system introduced in July 2024.

The meeting also underscored BCYF's broader mission of building sustainable ecosystems for youth support. With a significant increase in infrastructure capacity—from just 4% in 2022 to 72% today—BCYF is focused on providing multiyear funding that allows organizations to prioritize long-term impact over mere survival. Miller noted that this approach has led to a record-breaking 117 grant applications this year, with a remarkable 93% coming from organizations with budgets under $350,000, predominantly led by Black and Brown communities.

In addition to funding, BCYF is actively engaging with the community, having participated in over 120 events across Baltimore City. Their outreach efforts have resulted in a 600% increase in social media engagement, ensuring that families and stakeholders remain informed about youth initiatives.

As the meeting concluded, the commitment to transparency and community involvement was clear. BCYF is not just about distributing funds; it is about creating a supportive environment where Baltimore's youth can thrive. The council's discussions reflect a growing recognition of the importance of investing in the future of the city's young people, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities necessary to succeed.