Baltimore Youth Fund Spends $10M on Consulting Amid Taxpayer Backing

Overview of the Baltimore Children and Youth Fund’s Spending

The Baltimore Children and Youth Fund (BCYF), a nonprofit organization funded by taxpayer dollars, has spent approximately $10 million on consulting services since 2020. This significant expenditure raises questions about how these funds are being allocated and whether there are conflicts of interest involved. The BCYF is primarily supported by Baltimore City taxpayers to fund local charities that provide programs for children. However, recent financial disclosures reveal that around 60% of its $14 million budget in 2024 was used for grants to local organizations, while the remaining 40% went toward administrative costs.

Consulting Expenditures and Potential Conflicts of Interest

Public records obtained through a public information request show that BCYF spent roughly $10 million on consulting from August 2020 to May 2025, averaging about $2 million per year. Among these payments, $200,000 was given to Cheslock Consulting LLC, a firm run by Jen Cheslock. Two former BCYF employees described Cheslock as a “very close friend” of BCYF President Alysia Lee.

Lee’s social media profiles include photos with Cheslock dating back to 2017, years before Lee took over as president in 2022. Cheslock Consulting began receiving payments from BCYF in 2023 and continued through 2025. Additionally, BCYF paid the Ritter Group LLC about $400,000 between 2020 and 2022. Kera Ritter, the head of the Ritter Group, held several positions at BCYF, including vice president of finance and administration, until 2022. She also served as BCYF’s “transition manager” and was listed as an interim director of administration and operations before the organization became a standalone nonprofit in 2020.

Despite these connections, it remains unclear what specific consulting services were provided by either Cheslock Consulting or the Ritter Group.

Responses and Concerns from Experts

A BCYF spokesman defended the organization’s use of consultants, stating that they are hired for specialized assistance and expertise to support grantees and programs. He emphasized that these expenses are in line with industry standards and separate from funds given to local organizations. However, the organization did not respond to several key questions regarding the nature of Cheslock’s work and potential future funding.

Cheslock Consulting did not respond to inquiries about her role with BCYF, and the Ritter Group LLC does not appear to have a website or contact information. Attempts to reach Ritter were unsuccessful, and she no longer lists any current or former positions with BCYF on her LinkedIn profile.

Experts in nonprofit accounting and watchdog groups have raised concerns about the high level of administrative spending. Amanda Beck, a professor specializing in nonprofit accounting, noted that the payments to Cheslock and Ritter could represent a conflict of interest. Lauri Styron of Charity Watch warned that nonprofits must be cautious about both actual and perceived conflicts of interest, as such transactions can erode public trust.

Lack of Oversight and Transparency

Despite being funded almost entirely by taxpayer dollars, BCYF is not required to conduct regular performance audits like other city agencies because it operates as a nonprofit. This lack of oversight has led to scrutiny over other expenditures, including trips taken by BCYF staff and community leaders to locations such as Alabama, Missouri, and New Orleans. These trips included expenses like $3,600 for yoga sessions and breathing exercises, which the organization defended as part of its capacity-building and racial equity initiatives.

Former Mayor Bernard “Jack” Young, who played a key role in establishing BCYF nearly a decade ago, expressed dissatisfaction with its current management. He has called for amendments to the organization’s charter to require annual audits by the comptroller’s office but has faced resistance from city officials.

Ongoing Investigations and Public Accountability

Spotlight on Maryland, a collaborative effort between FOX45 News, The Baltimore Sun, and WJLA, continues to investigate BCYF’s spending practices. The outlet encourages readers to report any news tips to Patrick Hauf at pjhauf@sbgtv.com. As the debate over transparency and accountability grows, the public is increasingly demanding answers about how taxpayer dollars are being used to support youth programs in Baltimore.