Urgent: Baltimore Youth Fund Faces Scrutiny Over $16M Spending

UPDATE: The Baltimore Children and Youth Fund (BCYF) is under fire for its lack of transparency regarding the spending of $16 million in taxpayer dollars, with urgent calls for accountability coming from city officials and taxpayers alike. New findings from a year-long investigation by Spotlight on Maryland raise critical questions about how this nonprofit, which derives 99% of its funding from city taxes, manages public funds.

BCYF has consistently refused to respond to inquiries about its financial practices, including out-of-state travel expenditures totaling approximately $300,000. Despite this spending, BCYF has no mandatory performance audits, leading to a significant erosion of public trust. This issue is particularly pressing as BCYF recently transferred $7 million to the Mayor’s office for youth initiatives without providing documentation of this transaction.

David Williams, president of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, emphasizes the urgency of the situation, stating, “The Youth Fund is losing the trust of Baltimore citizens. They need to be transparent about how taxpayer money is spent.” He calls for answers on how funds are allocated to ensure they truly benefit the youth of Baltimore.

Despite multiple requests for comment, BCYF President Alysia Lee and Board President Larry Simmons have not engaged with the media. This silence follows repeated attempts by Spotlight on Maryland to clarify several key issues, including the necessity of performance audits and the justification for costly trips that include extravagant meals.

In fiscal year 2024, BCYF’s budget was bolstered by the city’s contributions, amounting to $16 million. However, the organization has faced scrutiny for spending significant amounts on travel for adult staff members, with expenses including a yoga session exceeding $3,000 and multiple meals costing upwards of $1,000 each. BCYF defends these expenditures as part of a broader initiative to enhance capacity and promote racial equity among local nonprofits.

As the city grapples with these revelations, six Baltimore City Council members have co-sponsored a bill aimed at increasing transparency within BCYF operations, demanding performance audits and imposing stricter guidelines on grant allocations. This legislative effort faces opposition from Mayor Brandon Scott and BCYF, but it reflects a growing concern among council members about oversight of public funds.

Recent developments include a confirmation that the Baltimore City Inspector General has launched an investigation into BCYF, adding another layer of urgency to the ongoing scrutiny. Council members such as Mark Parker and John Bullock spearheaded the bill, with broad support from various city leaders, though it will require ten votes to override a potential mayoral veto.

The community is demanding clarity on how taxpayer dollars are being utilized, especially given that 60% of BCYF’s funding is allocated to local organizations through grants. Questions remain about how these organizations manage the funds and whether they are effectively benefiting Baltimore’s youth.

As this story develops, residents and stakeholders are left waiting for answers from BCYF and city officials. The pressing need for transparency in public spending has never been clearer, and the future of BCYF’s operations may hinge on the outcomes of these inquiries and legislative actions.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to follow this critical story.