The Gathering 2026: Imagine Baltimore

Join Baltimore Children & Youth Fund (BCYF) and the Grantee Planning Committee for The Gathering 2026: Imagine Baltimore, BCYF’s flagship annual convening celebrating the power of Baltimore’s grassroots leaders and young people to create lasting change. Now in its third year, this free, full-day event on Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront brings together 400+ youth leaders, nonprofit staff, board members, funders, educators, grassroots organizers, practitioners, policymakers, and community allies to connect, celebrate, and co-create solutions through Baltimore’s first Youth Master Plan. 

This year’s theme, Imagine Baltimore, invites the community to dream boldly about the future being built for Baltimore’s young people and to envision what’s possible when youth voice, collective wisdom, and creative action lead the way. Attendees will take part in one of the first Youth Master Plan Solution Sessions, part of a citywide effort to engage 10,000 community voices in shaping the city’s future for young people. 

The day opens with an Opening Plenary featuring youth performances and remarks. Attendees will then choose from 20 breakout sessions across two rounds, led by BCYF and community experts. Throughout the day, interactive experiences will give attendees more ways to connect and contribute, followed by Expert Office Hours from 2:15 to 3:30 p.m., where attendees can book one-on-one consultations with practitioners and funders. 

Meals and refreshments will be provided throughout the day, and stipends are available for youth participants and BCYF grantee partners. 

This event is free to attend, and advance registration is required: https://forms.bcyfund.org/262377961961874. For more information, visit https://bcyfund.org/learn/the-gathering/.  

Questions? Contact BCYF at [email protected].