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 reach out to an Abell staff member to discuss their idea or submit a short letter of inquiry prior to submitting a regular grant application.

Contact Us or Email Us 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 a saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant. Report forms can be found under the “Requirements” tab.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

The Justice Policy Institute

$50,000 / 2023 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

In support of general operations for the Justice Policy Institute (JPI), which works to advance criminal justice reform in the State of Maryland. JPI will focus its efforts on research and education around parole and pretrial justice reform in Baltimore City.

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Kids in Need of Defense

$50,000 / 2023 / Health and Human Services

In support of KIND-Baltimore’s general operations, enabling it to provide free, comprehensive legal representation to unaccompanied immigrant children and youth.

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The Literacy Lab

$75,000 / 2023 / Education

In support of the Literacy Lab’s Pre-K and K-3 literacy interventions for at least 850 Baltimore students during the 2023-2024 school year.

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Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative Education Fund Inc. DBA Health Care for All

$75,000 / 2023 / Health and Human Services

In support of general operations for the Health Care for All Coalition – Maryland’s largest and most diverse coalition of health care consumers – as it continues to focus on improving automatic Medicaid enrollment, prescription drug affordability, and access to insurance for all Marylanders regardless of immigration status.

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Maryland Department of Juvenile Services

$50,000 / 2023 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

In support of the Thrive Academy, an initiative aimed at reducing gun violence among Maryland Department of Juvenile Services-involved youth through intensive community-based interventions.

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Header photo courtesy of Thread.