Baltimore Children and Youth Fund Awards Grants Totaling $10.8 Million

Associated Black Charities, the fiscal manager for the Baltimore Children and Youth Fund, has announced a first round of grants totaling $10.8 million to organizations in the city working to advance youth development and engagement. Eighty-four organizations will receive funding, including nearly $9.6 million in direct support for programs and $800,000 in support of technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives. Funding also was provided for background checks and legally required "sexual and abuse molestation insurance." Recipients include Adelante Latina!, Baltimore Children's Museum (doing business as Port Discovery Children's Museum), the Muslim Social Services Agency, Soccer Without Borders, Strong City Baltimore, and Wide Angle Youth Media. Launched in 2015 by Baltimore City Council President Bernard C. "Jack" Young, the fund which is underwritten by an annual property tax set aside was approved by voters in a 2016 ballot referendum with more than 80 percent support. Grants were awarded through a process that included community outreach and input, capacity-building workshops for prospective grantees, and recruitment of and recommendations by a grant proposal review panel.