UPDATE: The Baltimore Children and Youth Fund (BCYF) is under intense scrutiny following a year-long investigation revealing troubling gaps in transparency regarding its spending of taxpayer dollars. This urgent probe from Spotlight on Maryland has uncovered that the nonprofit, which receives a staggering 99% of its funding from city taxes, has repeatedly refused to answer crucial questions about its financial decisions.
BCYF’s silence is raising alarms among taxpayers who are demanding accountability for the $16 million it received from Baltimore City for fiscal year 2024. Experts warn that this lack of engagement erodes public trust in an organization intended to serve the city’s youth while operating with minimal oversight.
Spotlight on Maryland’s investigation has revealed shocking expenditures, including approximately $300,000 spent on out-of-state trips for staff since 2024. These trips included lavish expenses such as meals costing over $1,000 and a yoga session billed at more than $3,000. Additionally, BCYF transferred $7 million to the mayor’s office for youth initiatives, yet claims no documentation exists for this transaction, raising further questions about its financial practices.
The investigation highlights the urgent need for performance audits, which BCYF is not mandated to undergo despite its reliance on public funds. “At this point, the Youth Fund is losing the trust that it has with the citizens of Baltimore,” stated David Williams, president of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance. He emphasized the necessity for BCYF to demonstrate transparency regarding its expenditures.
For over a year, Spotlight on Maryland has sought answers from BCYF President Alysia Lee and Board President Larry Simmons regarding their financial practices and the benefit of costly trips for Baltimore youth. However, BCYF has failed to respond to repeated inquiries.
As Baltimore residents funnel their tax dollars to BCYF, which receives approximately 3 cents for every $100 of assessed property value, the nonprofit redistributes these funds to various grantees. Alarmingly, around 60% of BCYF’s funding goes to grants for local organizations, yet how these funds are utilized remains unclear, particularly with many organizations acting as fiscal sponsors.
The City Council is now taking action. Recently, six members co-sponsored a bill aimed at implementing stricter transparency rules, performance audits, and restrictions on grants linked to BCYF staff or board members. While the bill has garnered support, it faces opposition from Mayor Brandon Scott and BCYF. The urgency for this legislation is underscored by the fact that ten votes are required to override a potential mayoral veto.
As the situation unfolds, the Baltimore City Inspector General has launched an investigation into BCYF. The call for accountability has never been more pressing, as city officials and residents alike demand answers about how their tax dollars are being spent.
With the BCYF’s lack of response and the looming investigation, Baltimore residents are left questioning the integrity and efficacy of a fund designed to uplift youth in the city. The public is encouraged to stay informed as developments continue to emerge from this critical situation.
For immediate updates, follow Spotlight on Maryland as they provide ongoing coverage of this urgent issue impacting Baltimore youth.
