Who We Are - The Abell Foundation

As a private foundation focused exclusively on Baltimore City, we provide grants to nonprofit community partners, fund research to better inform civic conversation, and make catalytic investments in new businesses that offer significant social and economic benefits to the city.

Photo courtesy of Plantation Park Heights Urban Farm.

Abell History

The City of Baltimore has been central to the story of the Abell Foundation since our founding in 1953 by Harry C. Black, the then chairman of the A.S. Abell Company. For almost a century, the A.S. Abell Company owned and published the Baltimore Sunpapers which, at their height, issued three editions and had a significant local and national circulation, bringing news, analysis, and attention to Baltimore’s challenges and its charms.

Grants

We provide grants to nonprofits that provide vital programs and services, create equitable opportunities, and advocate for changes to support communities most affected by structural racism and disinvestment.

Research

We support research on complex challenges facing Baltimore and Maryland and innovative solutions that address those challenges.

Investments

We make catalytic investments in new businesses that offer significant social and economic benefits to Baltimore City.

Trustees & Staff

Meet the team behind the Abell Foundation. Our team uses their deep experience in and knowledge of Baltimore to invest in programs, partnership, research, and companies that are moving the City forward.

Meet the Team

Annual Reports

Our annual reports provide an overview of the initiatives and themes that emerged from our work each year, and spotlight the inspiring people and programs that led this important work in the Baltimore community.

Grants Archive

Learn more about our grantees and their work to enhance the quality of life in Baltimore City and its residents. Browse our archive of past grants and filter by year of award or program area, or search by keyword.

View Past Grants

Recent News

There is great work happening in our city. Read the case studies and issue briefs showcasing our partners and their impact in Baltimore.

Learn More

Featured Work

Photo courtesy of Latino Economic Development Center.

Issue Brief: Supporting Innovation and Growth for Small Businesses

The Abell Foundation has long been supportive of growing the entrepreneurial infrastructure and small-business ecosystem in Baltimore City to promote business expansion, job creation, and wealth formation, especially for Black entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs of color. Recognizing the critical need to rebuild capital resources that have diminished over time, we have supported community-based efforts to expand access to financing and business support.

Issue Brief: Stabilizing Housing by Supporting Tenants Facing Eviction

Evictions disrupt and upend people’s lives, and can lead to job loss, interruptions in children’s schooling, extreme stress, deteriorating physical and mental health, and homelessness. Many tenants facing eviction have legitimate defenses to eviction proceedings, but they are either unaware of their rights or unsuccessful raising the defenses in court, where most tenants appear without legal representation, and rules and procedures tend to favor landlords.

Stay Updated!

Sign up to get notified about our latest news and research.

Header photo of Patterson Park Public Charter School by Wide Angle Productions, a social enterprise of Wide Angle Youth Media.