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

The Maryland Book Bank Inc.

$60,000 / 2025 / Education

In support of general operations for the Maryland Book Bank, which distributes around 520,000 books annually to families throughout Baltimore including 200,000 books to students through the Home Library Project.

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Maryland Community Investment Corporation, Fiscally Sponsored by Neighborhood Impact Investment Fund

$200,000 / 2025 / Community Development

In support of implementation of the Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Initiative.

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Moveable Feast Inc.

$100,000 / 2025 / Health and Human Services

In support of food preparation and delivery services in Baltimore City and development of a Maryland Food Is Medicine Coalition.

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National Center on Institutions and Alternatives

$125,000 / 2025 / Workforce Development

In support of training 160 Baltimore residents who are eligible to receive SNAP benefits in commercial driving, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), or automotive repair.

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Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore Inc.

$50,000 / 2025 / Community Development

In support of staff costs to create and preserve affordable homeownership in Baltimore City. NHS offers homebuyer education, counseling, financial coaching, and down payment assistance.

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Header photo courtesy of Thread.