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

Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland, Inc.

$74,000 / 2021 / Community Development

Pro Bono Resource Center provides legal assistance, recourse information and education to Baltimore City homeowners at risk of foreclosure to delinquent real property taxes or water bills. The Tax Sale Prevention Project includes training and engaging volunteer attorneys and housing counselors to assist Baltimore residents at risk of tax sale; citywide tax sale prevention clinics; presentations at community educational events; promotion of the TaxSaleHelpBaltimore.com online tool and targeted outreach via postcard. This grant will support staff and project expenses associated with the Tax Sale Prevention Project.

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Patterson Park Public Charter School Inc.

$100,000 / 2021 / Education

Patterson Park Public Charter School is seeking to open a second campus within the Bayview area of Southeast Baltimore on the grounds of the Our Lady of Fatima complex. When at full capacity, Clay Hill Public Charter School (CHPCS) will serve 540 students and their families in Baltimore City. Key activities for phase one of the project include roof repair, window repair, an electrical upgrade, kitchen equipment installation, classroom and corridor improvements, bathrooms and health suite upgrades to become ADA compliant, as well as internet and technology installation. This grant will help with construction costs in preparation for opening of the new charter school in fall of 2021.

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Parks & People Foundation

$25,000 / 2021 / Community Development

Parks & People Foundation offers a paid youth internship and environmental education after school and summer Youthworks program called ‘Branches’ to address two critical issues: the need for meaningful employment for economically disadvantaged youth and the need for a trained workforce caring for parks and green spaces in the City. Participants in the Branches program gain hands-on experience and skills designing and implementing projects that have a community impact while contributing to the areas where many of them live and attend school, including neighborhoods which have high levels of poverty and few opportunities for positive development of young people. During COVID-19 in person restrictions the program will be offered virtually.

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Office of the Mayor

$79,032 / 2021 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

Funding from the Abell Foundation will support the salary of a Warrant Service Analyst who will assist with evaluating and reconfiguring Baltimore City’s warrant service to focus on violent and repeat offenders.  By prioritizing warrants, the Police Department and the Sheriff’s Department increase the likelihood that law enforcement will catch violent and repeat offenders and will help both agencies more effectively deploy limited resources.

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Office of the Mayor

$8,468 / 2021 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

Funding from the Abell Foundation will support the salary of a Warrant Service Analyst who will assist with evaluating and reconfiguring Baltimore City’s warrant service to focus on violent and repeat offenders.  By prioritizing warrants, the Police Department and the Sheriff’s Department increase the likelihood that law enforcement will catch violent and repeat offenders and will help both agencies more effectively deploy limited resources.

Learn More

Header photo courtesy of Thread.