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

Farm Alliance of Baltimore Inc.

$60,000 / 2025 / Environment

In support of general operations, including engagement with urban farm members and expansion of the Black Butterfly Urban Farmer Academy to train and incubate urban farmers, boost farm production, and address food insecurity.

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Goucher College

$65,000 / 2025 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

In support of the general operations and continued expansion of the Goucher Prison Education Partnership (GPEP), which provides high-quality, credit-bearing college courses to incarcerated students in the Maryland prison system.

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Helping Oppressed People Excel, Fiscally Sponsored by Uplift Alliance

$50,000 / 2025 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

In support of Helping Oppressed People Excel (HOPE)’s general operations and its efforts to provide flexible, client-centered support and meaningful incentives for individuals returning from prison as they work to rebuild stable, empowered lives.

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House of Ruth Maryland

$61,425 / 2025 / Health and Human Services

In support of House of Ruth’s Highlandtown office, which provides resources and services to Spanish-speaking and immigrant survivors of intimate partner violence.

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Just Neighbors

$65,000 / 2025 / Health and Human Services

In support of Just Neighbors’ general operations in Baltimore City.

Learn More

Header photo courtesy of Thread.