Grants

The Abell Foundation awards grants to nonprofit community partners working to improve the quality of life in Baltimore. We provide seed funding for innovative pilots, support for ongoing community programs and services, and funding for capital projects. In addition to providing grant funding, the Foundation supports our nonprofit partners through connection to our local and national networks, as well as our team’s deep experience in and knowledge of Baltimore as it relates to our program areas.

Learn More About Our Process

Eligibility and Review Criteria

For all nonprofit organizations seeking grant funding, regardless of the request amount. 

Small Grants Process

For grant requests of $10,000 or less.

Reviewed on a rolling basis. There is no deadline to apply.

Regular Grants Process

For grant requests greater than $10,000.

Reviewed at one of the Foundation’s five annual Board meetings.

Submit an Application

Considering Applying for a Small Grant?

If you have never received an Abell small grant (requests of $10,000 or less), you must attend an information session to confirm fit with eligibility criteria and funding priorities prior to submitting a small grant application. 

Sign up for an info session

Considering Applying for a Regular Grant?

First-time applicants with grant requests greater than $10,000 should submit a short letter of inquiry prior to submitting a regular grant application. For guidance on what to include in your LOI, please reference our frequently asked questions.

Submit an LOI

Ready to Apply?

If you are a returning applicant or have met our eligibility criteria and requirements and are ready to apply for a grant, you may do so on the apply page.

Start a Grant Application

Returning to a Saved Application or Submitting a Report?

Log into the grant portal below to return to your saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Siyana Partners, Fiscally Sponsored by Fund for Educational Excellence

$50,000 / 2026 / Education

In support of a second cohort of 10 Baltimore childcare providers to participate in the Equity in Early Education for Baltimore (E3B) program, reaching approximately 30 early childhood educators and 200 children.

Learn more

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Children of Baltimore Inc.

$60,360 / 2025 / Health and Human Services

In support of CASA of Baltimore’s general operations, to train and support advocates working with children in Baltimore’s foster care system.

Learn More

Fund for Educational Excellence

$40,000 / 2025 / Education

In support of technical assistance and grant writing support for 10 Baltimore City early childcare providers seeking to apply for Blueprint Pre-K Expansion funding.

Learn more

Julie Community Center

$36,821 / 2024 / Workforce Development

In support of providing 20 Baltimore City residents (including 10 Spanish-speaking) with 150+ hours of Maryland State Department of Education/Office of Child Care course work needed for employment in childcare in the state of Maryland.

Learn More

The Family Tree Inc.

$70,000 / 2022 / Health and Human Services

In support of Family Tree’s cost-share for the statewide Growing Opportunities in Family Child Care grant and program.

Learn More

Header photo courtesy of Thread.