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

Food & Water Watch

$30,000 / 2022 / Health and Human Services

In support of Food & Water Watch’s efforts to ensure the effective implementation of the “Water4All Affordability Program,” a percentage-of-income water assistance program for low-income residents in Baltimore City.

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Fund for Educational Excellence

$50,000 / 2022 / Education

In support of general operations for the Fund for Educational Excellence, an organization that supports public education through its fundraising and collaboration with Baltimore City Public Schools, convening of stakeholders, and serving as a fiscal sponsor to education non-profits.

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iMentor Baltimore

$80,000 / 2022 / Education

In support of iMentor Baltimore’s expansion to a third site and the continued development of the post-secondary pathways program, which will serve more than 300 mentees.

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Initiative for a Competitive Inner City Inc.

$40,000 / 2022 / Community Development

In support of ICIC’s Inner City Capital Connections and Building for Growth “Mini MBA” training programs, which are designed to increase access to capital, increase revenues, and create jobs for women- and BIPOC-owned businesses.

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Institute for Energy & Environmental Research

$35,000 / 2022 / Environment

In support of an equity study on Maryland’s energy transition that centers adoption by low-income households. The study will propose alternatives to current energy policy and investments to accelerate electrification of homes, prevent high consumer cost burdens, and better address the climate crisis.

Learn More

Header photo courtesy of Thread.