Community Grant Reviewer Application 2027
Ends on
Each time we open a new funding opportunity at the Baltimore Children and Youth Fund (BCYF), our goal is to invest in organizations that provide meaningful, engaging services for Baltimore City youth. As stewards of public funds, we take this responsibility seriously.
Organizations seeking BCYF funding submit an application describing their planned services and anticipated impact. Once the application window closes, our community Grant Reviewers carefully assess each submission and develop funding recommendations. Those recommendations move to our Board, which makes the final decisions. Staff supports the process, but we do not choose who is funded, that responsibility sits with the community.
While our staff brings deep expertise to this process, we believe the community should have a voice in how these funds are used. That’s why we invite community members to participate in reviewing applications through our Community Grant Review.
This year, the Community Grant Review Panel will select 30 Summer of Possibility Fund organizations, 12 Grassroots Fund organizations and 3 Community Accountable Fund organizations:
- Summer of Possibility Fund: Grants of $25,000–$100,000 for eligible nonprofit and fiscally sponsored organizations serving Baltimore youth ages 0–24. Funding supports high-quality summer programming that builds leadership, learning, and opportunity, with investments in planning, staffing, and youth programming, while prioritizing equity, youth leadership, accessibility, and long-term organizational sustainability.
- Grassroots Fund: Five-year grants of $50,000 per year for 12 eligible organizations, plus robust capacity-building support to strengthen and sustain their work.
- Community Accountable Fund: Three-year grants of $75,000 per year for 3 organizations
Applications for the Community Grant Reviewer Application will be open from July 13, 2026 to July 31, 2026. Accepted Applicants will be notified by August 24, 2026.
Please complete the form below to apply.