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

Venture for America

$185,000 / 2022 / Community Development

In support of recruiting, selecting, and training Venture for America (VFA) Fellows for two-year fellowships with entrepreneurs and companies in Baltimore’s start-up ecosystem. By attracting talent, particularly among people of color and women, VFA strengthens and diversifies the local entrepreneurial economy.

Learn More

Baltimore Corps

$125,000 / 2022 / Community Development

In support of staff and operational costs for the Campaign for Citywide Service, an effort to respond to the needs and challenges facing the city and its residents who are looking for meaningful and emerging employment opportunities.

Learn More

Baltimore Robotics League, Fiscally Sponsored by Fund for Educational Excellence

$100,000 / 2022 / Education

In support of coach stipends, equipment costs, and tournament fees for the Baltimore Robotics League, a citywide initiative providing competitive robotics to nearly 500 students.

Banner Neighborhoods Community Corporation

$20,000 / 2022 / Community Development

In support of staffing and programming costs for seven nonprofit organizations based in Southeast Baltimore that are employing summer YouthWorks participants to build skills, increase job and career readiness, and encourage leadership potential.

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B’more for Healthy Babies, Fiscally Sponsored by Baltimore Civic Fund

$30,000 / 2022 / Health and Human Services

In support of strengthening B’more for Healthy Babies’ outreach, referral, and client engagement strategies. These efforts are aimed at improving the health of Baltimore’s most vulnerable pregnant women and children, and reducing racial disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes.

Learn More

Header photo courtesy of Thread.