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

Strong Schools Maryland, Fiscally Sponsored by Fund for Educational Excellence

$40,000 / 2022 / Education

In support of general operating expenses for Strong Schools Maryland as it monitors and engages stakeholders in the implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.

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The Family Tree Inc.

$70,000 / 2022 / Health and Human Services

In support of Family Tree’s cost-share for the statewide Growing Opportunities in Family Child Care grant and program.

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The Justice Policy Institute

$50,000 / 2022 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

In support of general operations for the Justice Policy Institute (JPI), which works to advance criminal justice reform in the State of Maryland. JPI will focus its efforts on research and education around parole and pretrial justice reform in Baltimore City.

Learn More

The Samaritan Community

$30,000 / 2022 / Health and Human Services

In support of general operations for The Samaritan Community, which provides counseling, case management, emergency financial assistance, and other support services to more than 300 vulnerable households each year.

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UEmpower of Maryland

$40,000 / 2022 / Health and Human Services

In support of UEmpower’s Food Project, which provides transitional employment to Opportunity Youth in Southwest Baltimore through the preparation and delivery of free, healthy meals to households lacking food security.

Learn More

Header photo courtesy of Thread.