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

The SOS Fund, Fiscally Sponsored by Parity Baltimore, Inc.

$35,000 / 2021 / Community Development

In support of staffing costs for the Stop Oppressive Seizures (SOS) Fund’s “Development Without Displacement” initiative, which helps to stabilize housing market conditions by creating multiple pathways for legacy homeowners to stay in their homes.

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Thread, Inc.

$300,000 / 2021 / Education

In support of general operations for Thread, a community that is committed to ending social isolation and creating a new social fabric of diverse individuals deeply engaged with young people facing the most significant opportunity and achievement gaps.

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TurnAround, Inc.

$64,000 / 2021 / Health and Human Services

In support of providing comprehensive, trauma-informed services for survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual violence and human trafficking in Baltimore City.

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University System of Maryland Foundation

$136,400 / 2021 / Education

In support of the Nurturing Excellence for Undergraduate Success (NEXUS) research project, which analyzes City Schools students currently in the USM pipeline and identifies graduation barriers and intervention opportunities for students at the greatest risk of dropping out.

Up2Us Sports

$28,000 / 2021 / Health and Human Services

In support of placing Up2Us AmeriCorps Coaches in Baltimore City Recreation Centers to provide expanded youth sports and fitness programming.

Learn More

Header photo courtesy of Thread.