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

Climate Access Fund Corporation

$80,000 / 2021 / Community Development

In support of subscriber recruitment expenses for the Community Solar Project at Henderson Hopkins School. The project will enroll 180 household subscribers from the surrounding community in lower cost electricity service with savings totaling $1.6 million over 35 years.

Learn More

Code in the Schools

$60,000 / 2021 / Education

In support of the Code in the Schools youth apprenticeship pilot, which will provide 72 youth apprentices with 450 hours of paid on the job training and culminate in seven-week internships with technology industry partners.

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Commodore John Rodgers, Fiscally Sponsored by Fund for Educational Excellence

$50,000 / 2021 / Education

In support of the Baltimore Early Education Model of Reaching Excellence, which will expand implementation of the Tools of the Mind curriculum and executive functioning (EF) centered learning from 10 to 27 classrooms, serving approximately 500 students.

Cornerstone Community Housing, Inc.

$100,000 / 2021 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

In support of two years of general operating funds for Cornerstone Community Housing, a supportive housing program for men experiencing homelessness and substance use disorders. Residents receive wraparound services and may stay for up to two years.

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D.C. Witness

$250,000 / 2021 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

In support of operations for Baltimore Witness, a court watch program providing transparency and accountability to Baltimore’s criminal justice system through data collection and reporting. Baltimore Witness relies on reporters covering every hearing of homicide and non-fatal shooting cases heard at the Baltimore City Circuit Court.

Learn More

Header photo courtesy of Thread.