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

Health Care for the Homeless Inc.

$100,000 / 2022 / Health and Human Services

In support of covering the cost of care for uninsured individuals at Health Care for the Homeless.

Learn More

Higher Achievement Baltimore

$50,000 / 2022 / Education

In support of general operating expenses for Higher Achievement’s after-school program at three Baltimore City schools, which will serve 150-200 students during the 2022-2023 school year.

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Holy Nativity and St. John’s Development Corporation

$50,000 / 2022 / Workforce Development

In support of Conscious Heads’ Barbering Boot Camp, which provides 25 young people ages 13 to 24 with barbering training, as well as paid work experience and test preparation to become licensed barbers.

Improving Education

$75,000 / 2022 / Education

In support of the All Children Reading initiative at five South Baltimore Head Start centers and teacher supports in pre-kindergarten classrooms at four Baltimore City schools.

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Innovation Works Inc.

$50,000 / 2022 / Community Development

In support of staff costs associated with expanding Innovation Works’ efforts to support social entrepreneurs in Baltimore City.

Learn More

Header photo courtesy of Thread.