BCYF Fall Engagement Calendar

Fall 2025 Engagement Calendar

Table of Contents

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BALTIMORE YOUTH MASTER PLAN

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GRANTMAKING

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THE LEARNING LAB

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#BCREDS BOARD CHALLENGE

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SESSIONS FALL 2025

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SESSIONS FALL 2025

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BCYF PUBLIC BOARD MEETINGS

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THE LEARNING LAB 2026 CALENDAR

Open to the Public

For current BCYF grantees ONLY

Open to the Public

Fall 2025 Engagement Calendar

This fall, BCYF invites Baltimore’s youth, community leaders, grassroots organizations, and partners to join us in a season of learning, connection, and action. The Fall 2025 Engagement Calendar highlights opportunities to engage with the Baltimore Youth Master Plan, apply for new funding opportunities, strengthen organizational capacity through the learning lab, and participate in community gatherings that celebrate and advance our collective work.

From strategic workshops and training series to The Gathering 2025: Roots & Reach, each event is designed to deepen collaboration, shift resources to community-driven solutions, and ensure that young people remain at the center of Baltimore’s future. We also encourage the public to attend our quarterly Board Meetings, where transparency, accountability, and community voice guide BCYF’s decisions.

Together, we are building a just, abundant, and creative Baltimore where all young people can thrive.

All BCYF offerings are FREE for participants.

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BALTIMORE YOUTH MASTER PLAN

The Baltimore Youth Master Plan is here!

We’re launching two ways to show your support: The Master Plan Squad — for young people and individuals ready to stand with Baltimore’s youth. Individuals sign up here: https://forms.bcyfund.org/252517089698877 The Connector Club — for organizations and institutions committing their resources and networks. Organizations sign up here: https://forms.bcyfund.org/252516613892057 Together, we are the Baltimore Youth Master Plan Network: building a just, abundant, and creative future for our city’s young people.

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GRANTMAKING

Summer of Possibility Fund BCYF’s Summer of Possibility 2026 will invest $2 million in youth programming across Baltimore. We will award grants of $25,000–$100,000 to 25–30 organizations.

Timeline Applications Open: September 15, 2025 Applications Close: October 24, 2025 Applicant Support To help organizations apply, BCYF will offer: Virtual Help Desks 1:1 Coaching sessions An in-person application support, Launchpad Day at Baltimore Unity Hall Digital resources and guidance The President’s Fund: two special multi-year grants Learn more and apply: bcyfund.org/connect/summer-of-possibility Baltimore Summer of Possibility Fund Launchpad: FREE Application Support Oct 16 | |Baltimore Unity Hall | Open to the Public 10-2 and 4-8pm Hands-on individualized support for the summer 2026 application support.

Sign up for a one-hour slot: https://forms.bcyfund.org/252565624793871

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Grassroots Fund & Community Accountable Fund BCYF also invests in Baltimore’s grassroots leaders through two additional funding opportunities: Grassroots Fund – Flexible support for small and emerging groups, expanding access to resources for organizations that have often been excluded from traditional funding.

Community Accountable Fund – Ensures community voices, including youth, guide how resources are used through transparent, shared decision-making.

Applicant Support To help organizations apply, BCYF will offer: Topical Webinars 1:1 Coaching sessions In-Person applicant support sessions Digital resources and guidance Together, these funds strengthen grassroots leadership, reduce barriers to funding, and support creative, youth-centered solutions that reflect the wisdom and priorities of Baltimore’s communities.

Learn more and apply: https://bcyfund.org/connect/grassroots-fund/

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Apply to be a Winter 2026 Community Grant Reviewer Each time BCYF opens a new funding opportunity, we are committed to ensuring that public dollars support organizations providing meaningful and engaging services for Baltimore City youth. To guide these investments, our grant review process includes not only staff expertise but also the voices of community members — including youth themselves — who help shape funding decisions.

We invite community members to apply to serve as grant reviewers. Your perspective is vital in ensuring funding decisions reflect Baltimore’s priorities and values. If you’re passionate about supporting youth and want to help guide where resources go, we encourage you to apply.

Application Timeline Applications Open: December 2025 Reviewer Training & Review Dates Every Saturday from February 28 – March 28, 2026 · 10:00 AM–2:00 PM Learn more and apply: https://bcyfund.org/connect/grassroots-fund/

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THE LEARNING LAB

the learning lab is BCYF’s space for free, shared learning and growth. This fall, we invite youth, grassroots leaders, and community partners to join us in workshops, trainings, and conversations designed to strengthen Baltimore’s youth ecosystem. Opportunities include hands-on strategy sessions, storytelling and conflict transformation workshops, and intergenerational dialogues with BCYF’s Board of Directors.

In total, the learning lab is offering 300 hours of programming this year with more than 2,000 seats available — all free and accessible to the community. Each gathering is built to inspire collaboration, build capacity, and center the voices of young people and grassroots leaders shaping the future of our city.

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#bcreds Board Challenge

BCYF invites all grantee boards to take part in the Making $ense Financial Education Course, with a goal of 100% board completion. The challenge strengthens organizational capacity through financial literacy, transparency, and equity-driven governance.

Incentives and Recognition Boards that complete the series will be entered into a $2,500 raffle Participating organizations will be recognized at The Gathering 2026 By joining, boards build stronger financial understanding and model accountability and sustainability for the communities they serve. https://bcyfund.org/connect/bcreds/

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Sessions Fall 2025 Open to Register Now! Open to the Public October Intro to the Active-Participatory Approach Oct 14 | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM or 5:00–8:00 PM | Virtual Open to the Public The four guiding principles of the Active-Participatory Approach and practical ways to embed them in program planning to strengthen youth engagement.

Register: https://forms.bcyfund.org/252565685062867

BoardLight: Bright Ideas. Bold Leaders. Better Baltimore.

Oct 16 | 5:30–7:30 PM | Baltimore Unity Hall Open to the Public An evening community dinner and conversation with BCYF’s Board of Directors and youth leaders. Together, participants will explore youth-centered governance, dismantling adultism, and building stronger partnerships across Baltimore’s youth ecosystem.

Register here: https://forms.bcyfund.org/252565186855873 Youth Master Plan Series – Building Community Oct 23 | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM or 5:00–8:00 PM | In Person Open to the Public A training session focused on creating safe, welcoming, and inclusive spaces for young people. This workshop equips participants with strategies to build community and foster belonging.

Register here: https://forms.bcyfund.org/252565978894885

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November Youth Master Plan Series – Ask, Listen, Encourage Nov 6 | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM or 5:00–8:00 PM | In Person Open to the Public A communication-focused training to strengthen youthadult relationships. Participants will practice listening, asking good questions, and encouraging youth leadership.

Register here: https://forms.bcyfund.org/252565996879888

BYMP Builders Series: People Power & the Baltimore Youth Master Plan Nov 7 | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM OR 5:00–8:00 PM Impact Hub / The Cube (TBD) | Open to the Public A skill-building community event launching the Baltimore Youth Master Plan (BYMP). Participants will learn the basics of community organizing from the NOYA Youth Leadership Fellows, explore how the BYMP will shape Baltimore’s future, and receive step-by-step guidance to apply for the BYMP Street Team—a paid youth leadership opportunity. Youth ages 14–24 and adult allies are invited to build power, gain new skills, and join the movement for youth-driven change.

Register here: https://forms.bcyfund.org/252694514123859 The Gathering 2025: Roots & Reach Nov 17 | 8:00 AM–3:00 PM | Marriott Baltimore Waterfront Open to the Public BCYF’s flagship annual convening, centering youth-led, community-driven sessions. The Gathering brings together partners across Baltimore to connect, share learning, and advance collective goals for youth development.

Register here: https://forms.bcyfund.org/252560929243864

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December Youth Master Plan Series – Reframing Conflict Dec 4 | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM or 5:00–8:00 PM Baltimore Unity Hall | Open to the Public This final 2025 workshop offers tools for turning conflict into opportunities for growth. Participants will learn approaches to reframing disagreements into constructive dialogue and stronger relationships.

Register: https://forms.bcyfund.org/252565312145856

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Sessions Fall 2025

For current BCYF grantees ONLY October Space to Serve: A Strategic Workshop with Rec & Parks Oct 7 | 12:00–2:00 PM | BCYF Grantees Only A strategic workshop hosted by Baltimore City Recreation & Parks (BCRP) and BCYF to strengthen partnerships and expand youth-serving organizations’ access to recreation spaces. Grantees will share real space access experiences, explore flexible models such as pop-ups and coprogramming, and connect directly with BCRP staff through interactive “speed dating” sessions to match spaces and programming. LIMITED SPACE! Register here: https://forms.bcyfund.org/team/eventregistration/092325space-to-serve-a-strategic-w

Maryland Nonprofits Conference — the learning lab Oct 9 | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM | Maritime Conference Center, Linthicum Heights | Grantees Only A statewide convening of nonprofit leaders and partners to strengthen equity-centered leadership and organizational capacity. BCYF grantees will gain tools, connections, and inspiration to advance Baltimore’s youth development ecosystem, with stipends available to offset participation costs.

Register here: https://forms.bcyfund.org/252565914073864

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Opening Plenary: Harlem Children’s Zone Learning Journey Oct 27–30 | All day | Grantees Only A peer-city exchange with Harlem Children’s Zone, focused on cradle-to-career supports and systemic youth development models. Baltimore leaders will explore best practices and lessons learned to inform the Youth Master Plan.

Register here: https://forms.bcyfund.org/252225420721849

November Roots & Reach Preconference Nov 8 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM | Baltimore Unity Hall Grantees Only A day of co-creation and intergenerational learning ahead of The Gathering 2025. Participants will help shape themes and programming in collaboration with youth leaders and community partners. INTERGENERATIONAL! Register here: https://forms.bcyfund.org/252565786904874

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BCYF PUBLIC BOARD MEETINGS

The Baltimore Children & Youth Fund (BCYF) invites the community to attend our upcoming Public Board Meetings. These quarterly sessions provide progress updates, financial reports, strategic decisions, and committee updates, with dedicated time for public comment and discussion.

Upcoming Meetings Fall: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 · 5:30–7:00 PM Winter: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 · 5:30–7:00 PM Spring: Wednesday, April 15, 2026 · 5:30–7:00 PM Summer: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 · 5:30–7:00 PM All meetings are open to the public. https://bcyfund.org/news-events/board-meetings/

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the learning lab 2026 Calendar Open to the Public

the learning lab is BCYF’s space for reflection, capacity building, and collective learning. In 2026, we invite Baltimore’s youth, grassroots leaders, and community partners to take part in a yearlong journey of connection, skill-building, and innovation. Every gathering — from hands-on trainings and storytelling circles to intergenerational dinners and national learning exchanges — is designed to strengthen our city’s youth ecosystem and center the wisdom of community.

And the best part: every opportunity in the learning lab is free. No cost. No barriers. Just open doors for those who are ready to learn, lead, and build a just, abundant, and creative Baltimore where all young people can thrive.

gather! Dinners Community meals fostering intergenerational dialogue and storytelling to inform the Baltimore Youth Master Plan (BYMP).

January 8, 2026 · 6:00–8:00 PM February 24, 2026 · 6:00–8:00 PM March 4, 2026 · 6:00–8:00 PM April 16, 2026 · 6:00–8:00 PM May 21, 2026 · 6:00–8:00 PM

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Learning Circles Cohort-learning courses where grassroots leaders and youth share challenges, strategies, and solutions. Circles are offered in weekly and monthly formats with topical focus areas.

Weekly Tracks Inclusive Youth Engagement Sports & Athletics Best Practices Branding & Communications Weekly Dates February 5, 2026 · 9:00 AM–12:00 PM February 12, 2026 · 9:00 AM–12:00 PM February 19, 2026 · 9:00 AM–12:00 PM Monthly Tracks Soul Rebels Professional Development Series (trauma-informed, equity-focused, healing-centered practice) Echoes of Change: Storytelling for Impact Monthly Dates January 15, 2026 February 12, 2026 March 19, 2026 April 16, 2026 May 7, 2026 June 2, 2026

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Youth Master Plan Training Series (10 Sessions) Interactive workshops aligned with Youth Program Quality standards, each offered with morning and evening options.

January 15, 2026 · 9:00 AM–12:00 PM or 5:00–8:00 PM — Session 5: Active Learning.

Training on hands-on methods that spark youth creativity, engagement, and ownership of learning.

February 5, 2026 · 9:00 AM–12:00 PM or 5:00–8:00 PM — Session 6: Structure & Clear Limits. Training on creating safe and consistent environments where young people thrive.

March 19, 2026 · 9:00 AM–12:00 PM or 5:00–8:00 PM — Session 7: Self-Regulated Learning & Homework Help. Training on empowering youth to build independence, persistence, and study skills.

April 9, 2026 · 9:00 AM–12:00 PM or 5:00–8:00 PM — Session 8: Cooperative Learning. Training on group learning strategies that promote collaboration and peerto-peer growth.

May 7, 2026 · 9:00 AM–12:00 PM or 5:00–8:00 PM — Session 9: Planning & Reflection.

Training on using reflection tools to strengthen program quality.

June 11, 2026 · 9:00 AM–12:00 PM or 5:00–8:00 PM — Session 10: Youth Voice.

Training on strategies to authentically center youth leadership in programs and decisions.

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BoardLight April 8, 2026 · 5:30–7:30 PM · In-Person Board Info Session. An event featuring grantee summer opportunities and a conversation on board recruitment with BCYF’s Board.

LAB Session: Baltimore May 1, 2026 · Baltimore, MD City Schools are closed for the day! A citywide intergenerational learning day on the culture and history of youth leadership in Baltimore.

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Community Exhibition June 9, 2026 · In-Person A public showcase uplifting youth and grassroots leadership through creative presentations and shared learning.

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