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 gathering represents a strategic approach to community investment that extends beyond simple funding distribution to build lasting organizational strength. Designed as a learning and connection opportunity, the event will help organizations, particularly those operating with budgets under $750,000, better understand BCYF's dual investment model that combines financial resources with technical assistance.
Later in the event, BCYF will host a Pre-Application Technical Assistance session preparing applicants for the upcoming $2 million summer funding round. The PATA program has demonstrated significant effectiveness, with participants five times more likely to receive grants than those who do not engage in the training. This statistic highlights the program's success in leveling the playing field for smaller organizations seeking funding opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible. The event's focus on organizations with budgets under $750,000 underscores BCYF's commitment to supporting community-based groups that often face barriers to traditional funding sources.
Alysia Lee, President of BCYF, emphasized that the event allows Baltimore residents to see how public funding transforms young people's lives across the city. Along with professional development and grant application support, it provides hands-on experience with how BCYF empowers grassroots organizations. Boardlight emphasizes community learning, skill-building, and connection, showing how BCYF's support extends beyond funding to build lasting organizational capacity. Together with the PATA sessions, it reflects BCYF's comprehensive approach to community investment that combines 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 simply providing temporary financial support. By providing both financial resources and educational support, BCYF aims to create a more equitable distribution of resources across Baltimore's youth-serving landscape. The approach demonstrates how targeted technical assistance can dramatically improve funding outcomes for smaller organizations, potentially transforming how community investment programs operate nationwide. Those interested in learning more about BCYF can visit https://www.bcyfund.org for additional information about their programs and initiatives.
