The Baltimore Children & Youth Fund will host its Boardlight event on Thursday, October 16, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET at Baltimore Unity Hall, inviting grantees, partners, and community members to learn about BCYF's mission and resources. This event serves as a learning and connection opportunity, helping organizations, especially those with budgets under $750,000, understand BCYF's dual investment model. The focus on smaller organizations underscores BCYF's commitment to supporting community-based groups that often encounter barriers to traditional funding.
Later in the event, BCYF will conduct a Pre-Application Technical Assistance session, preparing applicants for the upcoming $2 million summer funding round. The PATA program has demonstrated effectiveness, with participants five times more likely to receive a grant than those who do not engage in the training. This highlights the program's role in leveling the playing field for smaller organizations seeking financial support. According to Alysia Lee, President of BCYF, the event allows Baltimore residents to see how public funding transforms young people's lives and empowers grassroots organizations through professional development and grant application support.
Boardlight emphasizes community learning, skill-building, and connection, showing how BCYF's support extends beyond funding to build lasting organizational strength. Together with the PATA sessions, it reflects BCYF's comprehensive approach to community investment, combining financial resources with technical assistance to expand equity and sustainability across Baltimore's youth ecosystem. This dual investment strategy represents a significant shift in how public funding can create lasting change by building organizational capacity rather than providing temporary financial support. By offering both resources and educational support, BCYF aims to foster a more equitable distribution of resources in Baltimore's youth-serving landscape. For more information, visit https://www.bcyfund.org.
