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

Code in the Schools

$60,000 / 2021 / Education

In support of the Code in the Schools youth apprenticeship pilot, which will provide 72 youth apprentices with 450 hours of paid on the job training and culminate in seven-week internships with technology industry partners.

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Commodore John Rodgers, Fiscally Sponsored by Fund for Educational Excellence

$50,000 / 2021 / Education

In support of the Baltimore Early Education Model of Reaching Excellence, which will expand implementation of the Tools of the Mind curriculum and executive functioning (EF) centered learning from 10 to 27 classrooms, serving approximately 500 students.

Cornerstone Community Housing, Inc.

$100,000 / 2021 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

In support of two years of general operating funds for Cornerstone Community Housing, a supportive housing program for men experiencing homelessness and substance use disorders. Residents receive wraparound services and may stay for up to two years.

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D.C. Witness

$250,000 / 2021 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

In support of operations for Baltimore Witness, a court watch program providing transparency and accountability to Baltimore’s criminal justice system through data collection and reporting. Baltimore Witness relies on reporters covering every hearing of homicide and non-fatal shooting cases heard at the Baltimore City Circuit Court.

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Environmental Defense Fund

$17,500 / 2021 / Environment

In support of the Clean Air for Baltimore initiative, which will reduce air pollution and associated health impacts from freight and cargo transportation in collaboration with the Port of Baltimore, one of Baltimore City’s largest and most concentrated sources of emissions.

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Header photo courtesy of Thread.