#United States #Baltimore #Community Grants #Youth Development #Baltimore Fund

BCYF's Impact on Youth Development in Baltimore

In a significant move aimed at revolutionizing the support provided to youth-serving organizations, the Baltimore Children & Youth Fund (BCYF) has launched its innovative Pre-Application Technical Assistance (PATA) program. This groundbreaking initiative offers vital support in navigating the often daunting grant application process, crucial for grassroots organizations aiming to secure essential funding to aid Baltimore's youth.

Empowering Organizations Through PATA

Designed for local organizations, the PATA program has already demonstrated its transformative potential. In the previous year, it effectively assisted 201 community organizations, delivering over 43 hours of tailored technical guidance. The success stories stemming from this initiative are remarkable; by equipping participants with the tools and knowledge to craft competitive grant applications, the program has enabled participants to improve their funding success rates by five times. This impressive outcome has resulted in a reported 97% of participants expressing increased confidence and readiness throughout the application process.

Hana Machover, Director of Grantmaking-Compliance at BCYF, stated, "BCYF's Pre-Application Technical Assistance isn't just about helping organizations submit applications—it's about building their capacity to grow and sustain impactful programs. We're investing in the long-term success of Baltimore's youth-serving ecosystem."

The essence of PATA is centered towards equity and community-driven development, encompassing a range of resources including webinars, workshops, and one-on-one assistance. Participants are guided through various aspects of the grant application process, from crafting compelling mission statements to detailing budget plans and defining program outcomes. In an effort to enhance accessibility, BCYF also ensures that technology, transportation, and childcare are provided during sessions to accommodate all participants.

Voices of the Community

Feedback from the program attendees has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have praised the supportive atmosphere, with comments such as:

• - "I so much enjoy the energy of the BCYF application assistance."
• - "This is the way grantmaking should feel!!"
• - "The BCYF team has been exceptional at each interaction, in-person or virtual. Thank you for the support and attention to detail."
• - "Great facilitators. This helped to clarify what you are looking for. I look forward to working with you to prepare a successful application."

These testimonials reflect the program's effectiveness in uplifting applicants and fostering a culture of collaborative support.

Financial Support and Future Sessions

In addition to enhancing the skills of non-profits, PATA is part of BCYF's broader mission to strengthen Baltimore's youth infrastructure. The organization emphasizes systemic change through its funding models, such as the Grassroots Fund and the Community Accountable Fund, which prioritize organizations led by Black and Brown leaders. These funds offer substantial multi-year grants, demonstrating BCYF's steadfast commitment to equitable support for youth initiatives.

For instance, the Grassroots Fund allocates twelve $50,000 grants annually over a five-year span, while the Community Accountable Fund provides three $75,000 grants each year for three years.

The PATA program continues to host engaging sessions aimed at enhancing grant writing skills. Upcoming events include:

• - Budgeting and Required Documentation Webinar: January 23, 2025, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Zoom)
• - Launchpad #3: January 27, 2025, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. (Baltimore Unity Hall)
• - Scope of Work and Outcomes Webinar: January 30, 2025, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. (Zoom)
• - Launchpad #4: February 12, 2025, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. (RISE Academy)

The nomination period for the Community Accountable Fund remains open until February 7, 2025, allowing organizations to access vital resources aimed at creating a brighter future for Baltimore's youth.

For more information on BCYF and its initiatives, visit bcyfund.org.

A Legacy of Support

Establishing a dedicated fund to serve Baltimore's youth was initially championed in 2015 by then-City Council President Bernard 'Jack' C. Young. This undertaking emerged as a response to the societal unrest following the tragic death of Freddie Gray, highlighting persistent inequalities in public funding allocated to Black communities. Since its foundation, BCYF, fueled by local tax dollars, has awarded over $31 million to programs serving children and youth, creating a legacy of support and commitment to community development in Baltimore.