The Baltimore Children and Youth Fund (BCYF) allocated approximately $100,000 in taxpayer money for a civil rights trip to Alabama, intended for adults, according to documents obtained by Spotlight on Maryland through public information requests. This expenditure comes from a larger budget of $16 million in taxpayer funding that BCYF receives annually to support local programs focused on youth.
BCYF, a nonprofit organization, primarily relies on funding from the Baltimore City government for its operations. Documents reviewed by Spotlight on Maryland reveal that BCYF contracted Hemisphere Educational Travel for $103,000 to organize the trip for 88 participants, which included staff, board members, and grantees. The organization stated that the purpose of the trip was professional development, emphasizing the importance of understanding historical contexts related to racial inequities.
The trip included visits to significant historical sites and was part of BCYF’s ongoing commitment to racial equity training. A spokesman for the organization explained, “This experience consisted of long, immersive days that require constant engagement, reflection, and discussions on how the lessons we learn can be brought back to Baltimore.” The spokesman added that the payment to Hemisphere covered not only the cost of travel but also accommodations and transportation.
During the trip, specific expenses were highlighted, including $3,600 for yoga sessions and a $9,800 dinner at the Renaissance Hotel in Montgomery. BCYF also spent over $4,000 on catering services from Pannie-George’s Kitchen. Despite the costs, BCYF defended these expenses as essential for enhancing the capacity of nonprofit leaders.
Despite requests for further clarification, including inquiries about the relevance of yoga to racial equity and why such experiences could not be facilitated in Maryland, BCYF did not provide additional comments.
Mike Watson, research director at the Capital Research Center, expressed concerns regarding the oversight of BCYF. He stated, “I think the taxpayers have every right to question whether it’s a good use of their money.” This sentiment has been echoed by others, including David Williams, president of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, who criticized the organization for prioritizing self-serving activities over its core mission of supporting children.
The trip to Alabama is not an isolated incident. Spotlight on Maryland reported that BCYF has spent roughly $300,000 on similar out-of-state trips since 2024, including travels to Texas, Louisiana, and Missouri, all justified as part of their racial equity initiatives.
In light of these revelations, the Baltimore City Inspector General has launched an investigation into the BCYF. Furthermore, six members of the Baltimore City Council have introduced a bill aimed at increasing oversight and regulations concerning the fund’s operations; however, both Mayor Brandon Scott and BCYF oppose this legislative effort.
As discussions about the appropriate use of taxpayer dollars continue, the future of BCYF’s funding and practices remains under scrutiny. The organization’s commitment to ensuring its programs effectively serve the youth of Baltimore is now a focal point in the ongoing debate about accountability and transparency in public spending.
