Baltimore Children & Youth Fund Hosts Boardlight Event to Strengthen Youth Organizations

The Baltimore Children & Youth Fund will host its upcoming Boardlight event on Thursday, October 16, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET at Baltimore Unity Hall, inviting Baltimore's grantees, partners, and community members to learn more about BCYF's mission, available resources, and the city's ongoing investment in youth-serving organizations. This gathering represents a strategic approach to community development that extends beyond simple funding distribution.

Designed as a learning and connection opportunity, the Boardlight event will help organizations, particularly those operating with budgets under $750,000, better understand BCYF's dual investment model. This targeted approach ensures that smaller, grassroots organizations receive the support they need to compete effectively for funding and build sustainable operations. The event's focus on organizations with limited budgets addresses a critical gap in the nonprofit sector, where smaller entities often struggle to access the resources and technical expertise available to larger organizations.

Later in the event, BCYF will host a Pre-Application Technical Assistance session—professional development sessions preparing grantee applicants for BCYF's upcoming $2 million summer funding round. The effectiveness of this program is demonstrated by compelling data: participants are five times more likely to receive a grant than those who do not engage in the training. This statistic underscores the transformative potential of combining financial support with capacity-building initiatives.

Alysia Lee, President of BCYF, emphasized the broader significance of the event, stating that it provides Baltimore residents with visibility into how public funding transforms young people's lives across the city. She noted that beyond professional development and grant application support, the event offers a hands-on way to experience how BCYF empowers and uplifts grassroots organizations. This transparency in demonstrating the impact of public investment builds community trust and engagement.

Boardlight emphasizes community learning, skill-building, and connection, showing how BCYF's support extends beyond funding to build lasting organizational strength. The combination of Boardlight events with PATA sessions reflects BCYF's comprehensive approach to community investment, which pairs financial resources with technical assistance to expand equity and sustainability across Baltimore's youth ecosystem. This model represents a significant shift from traditional grant-making by addressing both immediate funding needs and long-term organizational development.

The implications of this approach extend beyond individual organizations to the broader community. By strengthening the capacity of youth-serving organizations, BCYF contributes to a more robust and resilient support system for Baltimore's young people. The focus on equity ensures that resources reach organizations serving communities with the greatest needs, potentially reducing disparities in educational, health, and enrichment opportunities. Organizations interested in learning more about BCYF can visit https://www.bcyfund.org for additional information about their programs and funding opportunities.