BCYF Brings Baltimore Nonprofit Leaders to SXSW EDU to Showcase Grassroots Innovation and Youth Impact

BALTIMORE, March 26, 2025– The Baltimore Children & Youth Fund (BCYF) recently led a delegation of nonprofit leaders and youth advocates to SXSW EDU 2025, highlighting Baltimore’s growing influence in national conversations around education, youth development, and equity-centered innovation. This initiative reflects BCYF’s dedication to capacity building, ensuring that grassroots organizations have access to the skills, resources, and connections needed to drive lasting impact.

For 92% of participants, it was their first time attending SXSW EDU—making the experience especially powerful. Through this effort, BCYF offered its grantees a rare opportunity to engage with national thought leaders, exchange bold ideas, and explore the potential of emerging technologies like AI in community-based learning. In line with its dual investment model, BCYF provides more than just funding—it offers technical assistance, professional development, and collaborative learning that strengthen Baltimore’s network of youth-serving organizations.

“SXSW EDU was energizing for all of us,” said Emily Cory, BCYF Executive Assistant to the President & Board Administrator. “It brought staff and grantees together in a space full of new ideas and forward-thinking conversations about teaching, learning, and youth development. I left with a renewed sense of purpose, new ideas for uplifting youth voices, and a better grasp of how AI might support our work. It was also incredibly meaningful to see so many Baltimore voices represented on a national stage. Our grantees are doing incredible work—and we’re excited to see what they’ll bring to next year’s conference.”