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

Building Our Nation’s Daughters, Inc.

$50,000 / 2021 / Education

In support of Building Our Nation’s Daughter’s efforts to support 230 Black single mothers and daughters utilizing a two-generation approach that provides academic, social-emotional, and personal development support for mother-daughter pairs.

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Carnegie Institution for Science

$25,000 / 2021 / Education

In support of delivering the BioEYES’ genetics curriculum to 8th grade students across Baltimore City. BioEYES provides a one-week curricular unit that meets critical academic standards in science using hands-on, project-based learning to 25 schools and 2,250 students annually.

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Center for Urban Families, Inc.

$30,000 / 2021 / Community Development

In support of homeownership incentives through the Homebuying Assistance Program to help CFUF members purchase homes in Baltimore City, achieve housing stability, and build intergenerational wealth.

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Civic Works, Inc.

$70,000 / 2021 / Health and Human Services

In support of Civic Works’ Affordable Produce Delivery Program, which delivers boxes of fresh, locally grown produce to older adults in Baltimore.

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Climate Access Fund Corporation

$80,000 / 2021 / Community Development

In support of subscriber recruitment expenses for the Community Solar Project at Henderson Hopkins School. The project will enroll 180 household subscribers from the surrounding community in lower cost electricity service with savings totaling $1.6 million over 35 years.

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Header photo courtesy of Thread.