Harlem Opening Plenary Travel Guide

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Letter from the President & CEO................................................................................................7 About the Opening Plenary / Research Context......................................................................8 Who It’s For........................................................................................................................9 Participation Expectations..................................................................................................9 Event Details......................................................................................................................9 What You’ll Gain.............................................................................................................. 10 Agenda Snapshot............................................................................................................ 10 Supports Available........................................................................................................... 10 Impact from Past Events..................................................................................................10 Delegate Research Role & Expectations............................................................................... 11 Your Role as a researcher................................................................................................11 Core Responsibilities....................................................................................................... 11 Participation Expectations................................................................................................12 Norms & Spirit of the Delegation......................................................................................12 Daily Reflection Blog​ Instructions................................................................................................................................ 13 When to Reflect..................................................................................................................... 13 How to Reflect....................................................................................................................... 13 What to Include......................................................................................................................14 How to Submit....................................................................................................................... 14 Tips for Meaningful Reflection............................................................................................... 14 Why This Matters...................................................................................................................14 Itinerary Overview-At a Glance.................................................................................................15 Detailed Daily Schedule.........................................................................................................15 Arrival Day – Monday, Oct 27.......................................................................................... 15 Day 1 & 2 – Tuesday October 28-Wednesday October 29..............................................16 Closing Circle Day – Thursday, Oct 30............................................................................ 18

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Travel Groups / Delegation Assignments.............................................................................. 18 Health & Safety Guidelines....................................................................................................20 Travel Reminders...................................................................................................................23 GSA Meal Reimbursement Policy Guidance...........................................................................24 1. Submission & Timeliness...................................................................................................24 2. Reimbursement Structure..................................................................................................24 3. Eligibility & Requirements.................................................................................................. 24 4. Definitions & Clarifications................................................................................................. 25 5. Exceptions & Non-Compliance.......................................................................................... 25 Instructions for Completing the BCYF Reimbursement Form for Grantees........................26 Stay Connected & FAQs........................................................................................................28 Group Communication: Padlet for urgent updates................................................................ 29 Meet the Hosts.......................................................................................................................30 FAQs:.......................................................................................................................................... 30 the learning lab — Extended Conference Experience........................................................... 31 Welcome................................................................................................................................ 31 What You’ll Gain.................................................................................................................... 31 How It Works..........................................................................................................................32 Deliverables & Learning Reports........................................................................................... 32 Impact Highlights................................................................................................................... 32 Voices from the Community...................................................................................................32 Baltimore Children & Youth Fund – Fall 2025 Engagement Calendar.................................. 33 GRANTMAKING......................................................................................................................... 34 Grassroots Fund & Community Accountable Fund............................................................... 34 Apply to be a Winter 2026 Community Grant Reviewer.................................................. 35 November 2025............................................................................................................... 37 December 2025............................................................................................................... 38 November 2025............................................................................................................... 38

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Welcome to the first Opening Plenary of the Baltimore Youth Master Plan Learning Journey. This immersive experience at the Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) offers a chance to witness one of the most effective youth and family development ecosystems in the nation.

Our theme is “Learning Across Cities, Building With Baltimore” — a call to honor Harlem’s wisdom while centering Baltimore’s youth voices in shaping equitable futures. This is not just a study tour, but a space for intergenerational exchange, reflection, and accountability that will directly inform Baltimore’s Youth Master Plan.

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Letter from the President & CEO

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About the Opening Plenary / Research Context The Harlem Opening Plenary (October 28–30, 2025) is the first in a series of national site visits (Harlem, Oakland, Philadelphia) designed to expose Baltimore stakeholders to proven approaches to youth development.

The HCZ experience will highlight: ●​ ●​ ●​

Integrated services that combine education, health, and community support.

Generational impact through sustained engagement with families.

Lessons for Baltimore in governance, equity-driven funding, and sustaining youth-serving ecosystems.

All findings will contribute to the Learning Report, a public document co-authored by Baltimore researchers and grantees.

In October 2025, BCYF will lead an intergenerational delegation to New York City for an immersive peer-city learning journey with the Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ). Recognized as one of the country’s most comprehensive models for youth and family development, HCZ integrates education, health, and community support to achieve transformative impact.

This Opening Plenary is part of the learning lab’s year-long conference experience, designed to inspire, challenge, and strengthen Baltimore’s Youth Master Plan.

We are thrilled to partner with the Practitioner Institute of the Harlem Children’s Zone, whose team is opening their doors to share lessons, practices, and inspiration with Baltimore’s youth ecosystem. Thanks to their generous support, lodging and meals for BCYF’s delegation will be fully covered, making this transformative experience accessible to all.

After every plenary, BCYF will publish a Learning Report, documenting what youth and community members said, what they learned, and how that learning turns into real actions for Baltimore’s Youth Master Plan.

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Who It’s For ●​ Intergenerational leaders from BCYF grantee partner organizations will serve as our research team.​ ●​ As a researcher, you are a vital part of Baltimore’s learning journey. Your role is to represent our city with openness, curiosity, and accountability. Together, we will gather lessons that strengthen Baltimore’s commitment to young people.

Participation Expectations Delegates are expected to: ●​ Engage fully in all scheduled activities: plenary sessions, site visits, daily reflections, and pod meetings. ●​ Dedicate time before, during, and after the event: ○​ Pre-Event: 1-hour orientation call + individual reflection. ○​ During Event: Immersive learning, travel, and daily 30-minute reflection, concluding with an on-site group reflection session. ●​ Arrive on time, prepared, and committed to documenting and sharing insights.

Event Details ●​ Date: October 27–30, 2025 ●​ Time: Multi-day immersion ●​ Location: Harlem Children’s Zone, New York, NY ●​ Format: In-person site visit and reflection, with a kickoff virtual session prior to departure ●​ Cost/Registration Info: Travel, lodging, and meals covered. Youth stipends provided. ●​ Hotel: Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel ○​ Address: 233 W 125th St, New York, NY 10027​

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What You’ll Gain ●​ Clarity: A firsthand look at how HCZ aligns education, health, and community support. ●​ Connection: Relationships with peer-city hosts and cross-sector leaders in New York. ●​ Inspiration: Exposure to a nationally celebrated model that centers equity and family support. ●​ Momentum: Lessons that directly inform Baltimore’s Youth Master Plan and grantee strategies.

Agenda Snapshot ●​ The plenary will include: ○​ Site Visits to schools, community organizations, and family-serving programs. ○​ Dialogue Sessions with Harlem Children’s Zone leaders and staff. ○​ Reflection Circles led by BCYF’s team.

Supports Available ●​ Youth stipends ●​ Travel, meals, and lodging costs covered ●​ Dedicated reflection and prep sessions to ensure youth leaders are fully prepared

Impact from Past Events At Opening Plenary 2024 (Legacy Sites, Montgomery, AL): ●​ 81% said their knowledge advanced significantly. ●​ 91% were extremely likely to recommend the plenary. ●​ 96% reported overall satisfaction.

💬 “The sessions gave us actionable strategies to embed cultural responsiveness in all aspects of our work.” — Plenary Participant

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Delegate Research Role & Expectations Delegates are not just participants; they are community researchers. Each delegate is expected to: ●​ Document observations (through journals, Padlet uploads, voice notes, or photos). ●​ Contribute reflections daily (individual → pod → delegation synthesis). ●​ Identify at least one “take-home action” for Baltimore adaptation. ●​ Support intergenerational exchange by listening across age, race, and sector differences. ●​ Submit a final reimbursement form and reflection survey by Nov 30, 2025.

Your Role as a researcher As a researcher, you are a vital part of Baltimore’s learning journey. Your role is to represent our city with openness, curiosity, and accountability. Together, we will bring home lessons that shape the Youth Master Plan and strengthen Baltimore’s commitment to young people.

Core Responsibilities ●​ Engage Fully – Participate in all plenary sessions, site visits, reflections, and group activities with presence and focus.​ ●​ Represent Baltimore – Share honestly about Baltimore’s strengths and challenges while upholding BCYF’s values of equity, collaboration, and respect.​ ●​ Document & Reflect – Complete all reflection activities (via Padlet, journal, or creative capture).

Contribute notes, insights, or creative artifacts (photos, sketches, audio, poetry, etc.).​ ●​ Collaborate in Pods – Support your pod group through discussion, reflection sharing, and joint documentation.​ ●​ Ask & Listen – Use reflection questions to engage peers and partners, elevate youth voice, and remain open to learning from diverse perspectives.​

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●​ Contribute to Deliverables – Provide input for the Learning Report, including at least one “take-home action” you’d like to see tested in Baltimore.​ ●​ Carry It Forward – Share what you learn with your community, organization, or network after the plenary.

Participation Expectations ●​ Attend all scheduled activities: plenary sessions, site visits, daily reflections, and pod meetings. ●​ Dedicate time before, during, and after the event: ○​ Pre-Event: Orientation call (1 hour) + individual reflection assignment. ○​ During Event: Full days of learning, travel, and reflection (plus 30 minutes daily reflection). ○​ Post-Event: 1-hour follow-up reflection or creative output. ●​ Arrive on time and be prepared to contribute. ●​ Commit to documenting and sharing insights throughout the experience.

Norms & Spirit of the Delegation ●​ Intergenerational Balance – Honor both youth and adult voices equally. Everyone’s perspective is valued and essential. ●​ Collective Spirit – Show up for each other as co-learners; support peers in their reflection and documentation. ●​ Equity & Respect – Approach all discussions with humility, respect, and a commitment to justice. ●​ Creativity & Openness – Embrace creative ways of documenting and reflecting (art, video, audio, poetry, etc.).

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Daily Reflection Blog​ Instructions Each day of our delegation journey, we invite you to pause, reflect, and share your insights. These reflections help us capture the richness of our experiences and build a collective learning archive that will shape the Baltimore Youth Master Plan.

Your voice matters — every note, image, or creative piece contributes to the living memory of this journey.

When to Reflect ●​ Please submit your reflection by the end of each day (before midnight local time). ●​ Take 10–15 minutes to pause and capture your thoughts before resting.

How to Reflect You can contribute in whichever format feels right for you: ●​ Written Reflection: A few sentences or bullet points. ●​ Creative Expression: Poetry, sketches, short video/audio, or photo. ●​ Quick Notes: Keywords, feelings, or moments that stood out. ●​ Submissions do not need to be polished — raw and in-progress reflections are welcome.

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What to Include Consider these guiding questions: 1.​ What stood out to you today? (an insight, a moment, or a conversation)​ 2.​ What surprised or challenged you?​ 3.​ What could Baltimore learn or adapt from what you saw?​ 4.​ How are you feeling — personally, culturally, or spiritually — at this point in the journey?

How to Submit ●​ ●​ ●​ ●​

Go to our Daily Reflection to our Blog link in our Padlet.

Find the Page for today’s date.

Add your reflection by clicking the “plus” button.

Upload any images, videos, or creative work directly to your post.

Tips for Meaningful Reflection ●​ Be authentic: there are no “right” answers. ●​ Read others’ reflections and respond with curiosity and respect.

Why This Matters Together, our reflections will: ●​ ●​ ●​ ●​

Create the Learning Report shared with the public.

Build a shared memory of the delegation.

Surface insights for Baltimore’s Youth Master Plan.

Celebrate the emotional, cultural, and creative essence of our learning journey.

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Itinerary Overview-At a Glance ●​ Day 1 (Oct 27): Arrival in New York City and welcome. Dinner is self-guided. ​ ●​ Day 2: Site Day A (Oct 28): Immersion visits across HCZ programs, Q&A with youth and staff, cultural panels, and dinner with the HCZ team, followed by daily individual reflection.​ ●​ Day 3: Site Day B (Oct 29): Continued immersion visits, delegation synthesis, followed by daily individual reflection. Dinner is self-guided. ​ ●​ Day 4 (Oct 30): Final synthesis session and closing circle. Return travel to Baltimore.

Detailed Daily Schedule Arrival Day – Monday, Oct 27 ●​ Meet at Baltimore Penn Station at 1:30 PM ●​ Delegation's arrival in New York City ○​ We meet at 1:30pm at Penn Station ■​ Train Departs Baltimore Penn Station at 1:57 PM ○​ Arrives in NYC: 4:50 PM ●​ Dinner on Your Own

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Day 1 & 2 – Tuesday October 28-Wednesday October 29 Group gathers in Hotel Lobby to depart at 830am We will return AFTER Dinner on Day 1 and at 3pm on Day 2

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Closing Circle Day – Thursday, Oct 30 ●​ Closing Circle: Collective reflection, commitments, and next steps ●​ Travel back to Baltimore ○​ Train Departs NYC: 3:05 PM ○​ Arrives at Baltimore Penn Station: 5:53 PM

Travel Groups / Delegation Assignments ●​ Delegation size: 18 participants.​ ●​ Organized into pods of 3–4 for reflection and documentation. Each pod is intergenerational.

(Pods and role assignments will be confirmed during the Orientation Call.)

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Health & Safety Guidelines ●​ ●​ ●​ ●​

COVID-19 Precautions: Masks optional, hand sanitizer available.

Emergency Contacts: Share info with Logistics Lead before departure.

On-Site Safety: Follow HCZ staff instructions.

Medical Needs: Delegates should carry personal medications; report any accessibility needs in advance.​

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Travel Reminders ●​

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Packing: Business casual attire + comfortable walking shoes; journal + pens provided. ○​ When we depart in the morning, please carry along any items you may need for the day.

We will not be traveling back to the hotel during the school day.

ID & Documents: Government-issued ID required for travel and site check-ins.

A Fully-Charged Phone: Needed to access the buildings by scanning your individual QR code from HCZ ○​ You are not allowed to take pictures/videos at HCZ. Timing: Be punctual; activities will begin on schedule.

Reimbursements: Final submission due Nov 30, 2025 (dinners).

Attire: Business casual and wear comfortable shoes for walking. ○​ We advise against bringing anything to HCZ that you wouldn’t bring to jury duty.

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GSA Meal Reimbursement Policy Guidance This guidance outlines BCYF’s standards for meal reimbursement to ensure consistency, transparency, and compliance with federal guidelines.

1. Submission & Timeliness ●​ Receipts must be submitted and reviewed within 30 days of the meal date. Any receipts submitted after 30 days will not be allowable for reimbursement. ●​ Submission method: All receipts and reimbursement requests must be submitted through the BCYF Reimbursement & Mileage Form. ●​ Review & approval: Requests will be reviewed by the Operations/Finance team and approved by a supervisor or designated approver. ●​ Payment timeline: Approved reimbursements will be processed within 30 days of receipt submission.

2. Reimbursement Structure ●​ BCYF reimburses actual meal costs up to the GSA per-meal cap, not a daily per diem. ●​ Each meal is evaluated individually; savings from one meal cannot be applied to another. ●​ Reimbursement is limited by the GSA meal cap for the applicable fiscal year, location, and meal type (breakfast, lunch, or dinner). ●​ GSA rates can be found at: https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates.​

3. Eligibility & Requirements ●​ Eligible costs (counted toward the cap): food, non-alcoholic beverages, applicable taxes, and reasonable gratuity (up to 20%). ●​ Ineligible costs: Alcohol is not reimbursable. If alcohol appears anywhere on a receipt, the entire receipt is ineligible.

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●​ Receipt requirements: ○​ Must be itemized. ○​ Must include vendor name, date, items purchased, and proof of payment. ○​ Credit card signature slips or bank statements alone are not sufficient. ●​ Single-diner receipts only. Each receipt must reflect one diner. For group meals, request separate checks.

4. Definitions & Clarifications ●​ Meal types: ○​ Breakfast – typically before 10:00 a.m.

■​ The hotel will provide a voucher for breakfast at the hotel. ○​ Lunch – typically between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. ○​ Dinner – typically after 3:00 p.m.​ ●​ Business purpose: All reimbursements must include a brief description of the business purpose (e.g., “Meeting with youth leaders regarding grant implementation”).​ ●​ Travel vs. local meals: ○​ Travel meals are reimbursable when an employee, board member, or program participant is traveling for approved BCYF business. ○​ Local meals may be reimbursable if incurred as part of approved BCYF business (e.g., staff retreat, partner engagement, or board meeting). ●​ Guest meals: Meals with non-staff (e.g., partners, youth, board members) are reimbursable only when directly related to BCYF business and documented with purpose.

5. Exceptions & Non-Compliance ●​ Non-compliance: Requests that are late, incomplete, or exceed the cap will be denied. ●​ Exceptions: Any exceptions must be approved in advance by the VP of Operations & Culture (or designee).

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Instructions for Completing the BCYF Reimbursement Form for Grantees Your Approved Rates & Meals ●​ Breakfast: ○​ The hotel will provide you with a $25 voucher to be used at the hotel restaurant each morning. This voucher should be used for breakfast. Because of this, breakfast expenses will not be reimbursed. ●​ Lunch: ○​ Lunch will be provided on-site either at Harlem Children’s Zone or provided by BCYF. Lunch expenses will not be reimbursed. ​ ●​ Dinner: ○​ Monday, Oct 27: Dinner may be reimbursed up to $38.00. ○​ Tuesday, Oct 28: Dinner will be provided by Harlem Children's Zone. ○​ Wednesday, Oct 29: Dinner may be reimbursed up to $38.00.

Meals & Per Diem — Reimbursement Allowance​ Save your itemized receipts and submit them within 30 days using the BCYF Reimbursement Form.

Follow these steps: a.​ Select Who is Submitting the Form​ Choose Grantee as the submitter.​ b.​ Provide Your Information i.​ Enter Your Name ii.​ Enter Your Email​ c.​ Enter Manager’s Email​ bhansen@bcyfund.org​

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d.​ Specify the Expense(s) for Reimbursement​ Under “What would you like reimbursed?”, select Expense(s).​ e.​ Enter Expense Details i.​ Date of Purchase ii.​ Vendor Name iii.​ Purpose & Description of the Purchase (e.g., “Opening Plenary travel—breakfast.

No alcohol. Single diner.”) iv.​ Total Cost (must be ≤ GSA per-meal cap for that location/date) f.​ Assign BCYF Budget Codes i.​ BCYF Line Item – Account: 7261 E&A Meals, Food, and Catering ii.​ Class Code: Technical Assistance iii.​ Department: Grantmaking iv.​ Project: the learning lab g.​ Review & Submit​ Confirm all info is accurate and all receipts are itemized, single-diner, alcohol-free, and within the per-meal cap. Submit per BCYF’s standard procedures.

Questions? Contact your Project Manager at BCYF at bhansen@bcyfund.org

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Stay Connected & FAQs

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Group Communication: Padlet for urgent updates.

https://padlet.com/alysia4/opening-plenary-2025-harlem-adhaonhylqr162c6 ●​ Documentation: Padlet link will be shared for reflections, notes, and uploads.

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Meet the Hosts Harlem Children’s Zone​ Harlem Children’s Zone is one of the nation’s most comprehensive and celebrated models for youth and family development. Rooted in Harlem, HCZ has built an integrated ecosystem of cradle-to-career supports — blending education, health, and community programs — to create generational impact. Its work demonstrates what becomes possible when entire neighborhoods are mobilized around the well-being and success of young people.

Baltimore Children & Youth Fund (BCYF)​ The Baltimore Children & Youth Fund is a nonprofit organization committed to resource equity, community power, and youth leadership. Founded to ensure Baltimore’s young people can thrive, BCYF invests in grassroots organizations, builds capacity, and strengthens the city’s youth-serving ecosystem.

With a focus on equity and intergenerational leadership, BCYF works to co-create a Baltimore where children and youth are free to be more just, abundant, and creative.

FAQs: ○​ Meals? Breakfast & lunch provided daily; dinner on Day 2. ○​ Meal Reimbursements? Dinner for Day 1 and Day 3 are eligible for reimbursement with federal rate limits. ○​ Stipends? Youth participants receive stipends; forms will be circulated. ○​ Wi-Fi? Available at HCZ sites.

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the learning lab — Extended Conference Experience Welcome the learning lab is BCYF’s year-round professional learning journey — a reimagining of what a conference can be.

Instead of a single day, it unfolds across 12 months, combining plenaries, breakout sessions, shared meals, field experiences, and a closing celebration. It is designed with and for Baltimore’s grassroots and youth leaders, ensuring professional development is accessible, practical, and rooted in community wisdom.

What is the BCYF learning lab?

What You’ll Gain ●​ Immersive Learning: From Opening Plenaries in Harlem, Oakland, and Philadelphia to LAB Field Experiences in Baltimore’s own neighborhoods. ●​ Flexible Entry Points: Through Drop-In Sessions like gather! dinners, Solution Sessions, and the Kickoff Webinar. ●​ Recognition & Skills: With #bcreds micro-credentials endorsed by BCYF in finance, fundraising, and youth development. ●​ Depth & Growth: In Learning Circles that run monthly or intensively in February, building skills and peer connections. ●​ Celebration & Sharing: At the Community Exhibition — an adult-style science fair where participants showcase their work and learning.

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How It Works The lab transforms a traditional conference into a year-long cycle: ●​ Conferences set the stage with The Gathering, national/state events, and immersive plenaries. ●​ Drop-In Sessions create accessible, one-time touchpoints for dialogue and training. ●​ #bcreds offer professional recognition through flexible, online credentials. ●​ Learning Circles provide deeper practice and peer exchange in cohort settings. ●​ Community Exhibition closes the year with a public showcase and collective celebration.

Deliverables & Learning Reports Every component of the lab produces tangible outcomes. ●​ Participants Reflect on insights. ●​ BCYF synthesizes reflections into Reports. ●​ Reports are Shared across the ecosystem. ●​ Leaders Apply strategies in their organizations and communities.

This cycle ensures learning flows back into Baltimore’s youth ecosystem and advances the Youth Master Plan.

Impact Highlights ●​ 95% of participants reported gaining new knowledge and skills. ●​ 91% said the lab fostered meaningful collaboration and dialogue. ●​ At SXSW EDU 2025, 100% built meaningful professional connections. ●​ At The Gathering 2024, 92% made new connections and 82% rated their experience Excellent. ●​ At the 2025 Community Exhibition, 91% reported new connections and 100% rated the event Excellent or Good.

Voices from the Community ●​ ●​ ●​

“BCYF goes above and beyond to provide 360 support to its grantees.” — SXSW EDU Participant “I left feeling inspired and hopeful. The conversations showed me Baltimore has the solutions. We just need to listen to youth and grassroots leaders.” — gather! Participant “This is what happens when we invest in grassroots leaders.” — Mayor Brandon Scott

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Baltimore Children & Youth Fund – Fall 2025 Engagement Calendar This fall, the 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.

BALTIMORE YOUTH MASTER PLAN​ 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​

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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

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

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

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●​ 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/

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​

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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. #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 Challenge End Date: October 31, 2025 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 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 November 2025 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 youth-adult relationships. Participants will practice listening, asking good questions, and encouraging youth leadership.​ Register here: https://forms.bcyfund.org/252565996879888 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 2025 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 For current BCYF grantees ONLY October 2025 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 co-programming, 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/092325-space-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 Opening Plenary: Harlem Children’s Zone Learning Journey​ Oct 28–30 | 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 2025 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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