Read our 2024 Annual Report

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?

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 for a Small Grant?

For first-time or returning applicants with grant requests of $10,000 or less. We accept and review small grant applications on a rolling basis. There is no deadline to apply for a small grant.

Start a Small Grant Application

Ready to Apply for a Regular Grant?

For returning applicants and those who have a verified fit with the Foundation’s priorities for requests greater than $10,000. Regular grant applications are reviewed at one of five Board meetings each year.

Start a Regular 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

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.

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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.

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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.

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University of Maryland Baltimore Foundation

$60,000 / 2021 / Health and Human Services

Since 2009, Promise Heights has anchored one of B’more for Healthy Babies’ (BHB) place-based initiatives to improve birth outcomes and family well-being in West Baltimore. Promise Heights has long supported parents after the birth of their children, including providing breastfeeding support, family planning, research-based parenting classes and early literacy opportunities.

This grant supports the Teen Parenting Success Program (TiPS), which bring this continuum of services to pregnant and parenting teens at Renaissance Academy and Frederick Douglass High School. The two Community Hub Leaders in this program will ensure all pregnant and parenting teens are connected to Health Care Access Maryland as well as provide individual case management to set and achieve individual goals for health and wellness, education/vocation, as well as family planning. The Community Hub Leaders  will also hold group programming in the high schools to build social support among young parents and their families.

Maryland Family Network

$40,000 / 2021 / Health and Human Services

“Maryland Child Care Boost” is a pilot program that aims to improve the sustainability of childcare by helping providers maintain full program enrollment; implement sound financial management practices; and achieve economies of scale through participation in a shared services network. It will serve a total of 120 family and center-based child care providers: 40 from Baltimore City, 40 from Montgomery County, and 40 from Prince George’s County. This grant supports the staffing required at the Baltimore City Child Care Resource and Referral Center (BCCCRC) to coordinate the cohorts of Baltimore City childcare providers.

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Header photo courtesy of Thread.