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

Baltimore Community ToolBank

$17,500 / 2021 / Community Development

Baltimore Community ToolBank lends tools and equipment to community based member organizations for a nominal fee. Items are typically used for community clean-ups, beautification, festivals, and other projects.  Due to COVID social distancing guidelines, large scale volunteer deployment projects have been postponed or limited in size. Fees generated from tool rental orders have decreased significantly, thus decreasing the ToolBank’s revenue. During the COVID-19 crisis, tools and equipment for use in support of emergency response activities and support are being provided at no charge for the duration of the crisis. This grant will support core program staffing and the purchase of tools in response to member demand.

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Baltimore City Mayor’s Office, Fiscally Sponsored by Baltimore Civic Fund

$63,000 / 2021 / Community Development

In the 2020 Abell Report “Baltimore’s Digital Divide,” researcher and author John Horrigan’s analysis of the 2018 American Community Survey revealed that 96,000 households in Baltimore City (or 40.7%) do not have wireline internet service, such as cable, fiber, or digital subscriber line service. Recognizing that cost is a barrier to access, in December 2020, the U.S. Congress appropriated $3.2 billion of emergency coronavirus relief toward a new Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) for low income households to receive up to $50 toward monthly internet service and $100 toward a computing device. To maximize program participation in Baltimore City, the Mayor’s Office will offer small grants to a number of community organizations to promote the new benefit and assist low income households qualify and receive benefits.

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Whitelock Community Farm, Fiscally Sponsored by Fusion Partnerships, Inc.

$25,000 / 2021 / Community Development

Whitelock Community Farm, over its 10 year history, has harvested over 40,000 pounds of organic produce. Distribution sites include a Reservoir Hill farm stand, neighborhood mobile market sites, community supported agriculture (CSA) program, a city wide farmers market and local restaurants. This grant will support activities and programming that will increase the levels of healthy, affordable food available to residents in Penn North and Reservoir Hill; and improve Farm operational efficiencies and reduce food waste.

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University of Maryland Baltimore Foundation

$60,000 / 2021 / Education

The Positive Schools Center (PSC) in an initiative housed within the University of Maryland School of Social Work that partners with school leaders and school staffs to build restorative and supportive schools. The Positive School Center collaborates with school leaders to ensure trauma-responsive educational approaches and restorative practices are integrated into every area of the school by providing training, staff and leadership coaching, direct community supports, and technical assistance.

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Purpose Built Communities Cherry Hill Initiative, Fiscally Sponsored by Dream Big Foundation

$50,000 / 2021 / Community Development

The Dream BIG Foundation is the lead partner in the effort to formally establish the Purpose Built Communities – Cherry Hill Initiative. It is a three pronged placed-based community revitalization effort focused on mixed income housing, community wellness, and cradle-to-college education pipeline. This grant will support expenses associated with the recruitment and hiring of key staff who will cultivate and coordinate investments in the three pillars of the Purpose Built Model.

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Header photo courtesy of Thread.