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

NPower Inc.

$125,000 / 2022 / Workforce Development

In support of providing 150 low-income young adults and 50 military veterans with IT certification training and paid internships in the IT industry. Within one year of graduating, over 80% of program graduates are to be employed or pursuing higher education.

Learn More

Parks & People Foundation

$35,000 / 2022 / Education

In support of a newly reimagined Branches program focused on workforce development and green STEM career exploration for up to 80 high school students in Baltimore City.

Learn More

Sierra Club Maryland, Fiscally Sponsored by Maryland Philanthropy Network

$105,000 / 2022 / Environment

In support of Climate Partners, a coalition of eight organizations that has combined forces to help implement ambitious climate policies under the Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022.

Learn More

Southeast Community Development Corporation

$113,550 / 2022 / Workforce Development

In support of a community cleanup and workforce collaborative designed to reduce violence, trash, and blight in the Ellwood Park and McElderry Park neighborhoods.

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The Literacy Lab

$75,000 / 2022 / Education

In support of The Literacy Lab’s evidence-based, small group tutoring program, serving over 850 students in Pre-K and K-3 classrooms in Baltimore City Public Schools during the 2022-2023 school year.

Learn More

Header photo courtesy of Thread.