As Summer of Possibility 2027 nears its October 1 application deadline, past BCYF grantees and applicants point to earlier funding decisions and a simpler process as key to deeper impact with Baltimore youth

BALTIMORE, Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Baltimore Children & Youth Fund (BCYF) today shared early findings from a mid-cycle survey of its Summer of Possibility 2026 (SPF26) grantees, showing that structural changes to how BCYF funds and supports organizations, including earlier funding decisions and a simplified application process, are helping organizations build stronger community partnerships as a result of the investment.

In a survey of SPF applicants, 97% said receiving funding decisions by December 15 is extremely important or important to their organization's planning, citing benefits including earlier staff hiring, stronger program design, and more time for youth recruitment. Separately, 60% of applicants rated BCYF's application as easier or much easier than comparable funding opportunities. Every responding organization also reported that the funding helped them expand or strengthen partnerships with schools, employers, and other community organizations. One grantee described 25 Baltimore youth turning five weeks of paid studio work into a public art commission for the National Aquarium, illustrating an example of deeper engagement and how summer programming can open doors young people hadn't previously considered.

"These findings tell us something important about what public investment in youth can do when it reaches organizations that are already rooted in their communities," said Alysia Lee, President and CEO of Baltimore Children & Youth Fund. "Grassroots organizations know their neighborhoods and their young people best. When we invest in them directly, that investment reaches beyond program rosters to families, schools, and neighborhoods."

BCYF opened applications for Summer of Possibility 2027 (SPF27) earlier this month and is accepting applications through the October 1, 2026 deadline. The $2 million fund provides grants of $25,000 to $100,000 to Baltimore City-based organizations creating summer programming for young people ages 0-24, with awards supporting programming that promotes learning, leadership, wellness, creativity, workforce development, and youth engagement.

"As the deadline approaches, we want every eligible organization to know that support is still available," said Brandon Hansen, Vice President of External Affairs at Baltimore Children & Youth Fund. "Applicants who attend a Pre-Application Technical Assistance session and use the Rocket Resource Hub are about five times more likely to be selected. We still have a Launchpad session, office hours, and one-on-one support available, and we encourage every organization considering SPF27 to take advantage of them."

Organizations interested in applying to Summer of Possibility 2027 can visit https://bcyfund.org/grants/summer-of-possibility/ for more information including eligibility requirements, application materials, and support resources.

About the Baltimore Children & Youth Fund
The Baltimore Children & Youth Fund (BCYF) is a nonprofit, city-funded initiative dedicated to improving the lives of young people across Baltimore. BCYF employs a dual investment strategy—pairing direct funding for youth-serving organizations with training and learning supports that promote long-term sustainability and strengthen Baltimore's youth ecosystem. Through this approach, BCYF delivers vital financial and educational resources to community-based organizations in education, health, safety, and enrichment, ensuring every young person has access to the opportunities they need to thrive. To learn more, visit http://www.bcyfund.org.

Media Contact:
Brandon Hansen
Baltimore Children & Youth Fund
410-505-8459
comms@bcyfund.org  
https://bcyfund.org/ 

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SOURCE Baltimore Children & Youth Fund (BCYF)