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

Baltimore Curriculum Project Inc.

$250,000 / 2022 / Education

In support of Baltimore Curriculum Project’s renovation of Hampstead Hill Academy, which will add approximately 15,000 square feet of space, four new classrooms, a dedicated gymnasium, an auditorium/performing arts space, and a rooftop recreational area.

Learn More

Baltimore Furniture Bank, Fiscally Sponsored by Fusion Partnerships Inc.

$40,000 / 2022 / Health and Human Services

In support of general operations for Baltimore Furniture Bank, which provides donated furniture to homeless individuals who are moving into housing.

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Black Women Build – Baltimore

$110,000 / 2022 / Community Development

In support of homebuyer incentives for Black women to purchase formerly vacant houses they help to renovate in West Baltimore. The initiative is intended to help Black women build carpentry and housing rehabilitation skills and enable wealth-building in communities that have historically been underinvested and undervalued.

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Charm City Care Connection

$50,000 / 2022 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

In support of continued operations of the Harm Reduction Drop-in Center (HRDC), which provides a safe space for people with substance use disorder to access needed services and support. The HRDC provides low-barrier and easy-to-access services, including syringe exchange, fentanyl test strip distribution, naloxone distribution, community meals, and case management.

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Chesapeake Climate Action Network

$85,000 / 2022 / Environment

In support of a study analyzing the potential for additional offshore wind in Maryland and the Maryland Climate Justice Campaign to promote policies that benefit communities of color with low net wealth who are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

Learn More

Header photo courtesy of Thread.