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 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

Plantation Park Heights Urban Farm / Ridge to Reefs

$33,891 / 2021 / Community Development

In support of staffing and infrastructure investments for Plantation Park Heights Urban Farm as it works to expand production, educate students and volunteers, and increase the availability of fresh nutritious fruits and vegetables grown on reclaimed vacant land.

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Southeast Community Development Corporation

$99,623 / 2021 / Workforce Development

In support of providing youth who reside in the McElderry Park and Ellwood Park neighborhoods with paid work opportunities eliminating trash and reducing illegal dumping to create a safer and cleaner environment.

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Sugar Free Kids Maryland, Fiscally Sponsored by Center for a Healthy Maryland

$75,000 / 2021 / Health and Human Services

In support of Sugar Free Kids Maryland’s community-organizing efforts to help pass an excise tax on sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) – a proven strategy to decrease consumption.

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The Literacy Lab

$75,000 / 2021 / Education

In support of The Literacy Lab’s expansion of evidence-based, small group, and individualized literacy tutoring to serve over 1,000 students in Pre-K and K-3 classrooms in Baltimore City Public Schools during the 2021-2022 school year.

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The Maryland Book Bank Inc.

$50,000 / 2021 / Education

In support of the Maryland Book Bank’s plan to equip three evidence-based high-dosage tutoring programs in Baltimore with books matched to each student’s individual reading ability and interest.

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Header photo courtesy of Thread.