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

Living Classrooms Foundation

$200,000 / 2022 / Workforce Development

In support of Project SERVE, a transitional employment program that enrolls up to 150 returning citizens a year, providing them with paid, on-the-job work experience.

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Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition Inc.

$57,850 / 2022 / Community Development

In support of staff and outreach costs associated with the Low Income Forgotten Tax (LIFT) program. LIFT helps low-income homeowners and renters access the Homeowners and Renters Tax Credit programs and other public benefits.

Learn More

Maryland Hunger Solutions, An Initiative of Food Research & Action Center

$60,000 / 2022 / Health and Human Services

In support of Maryland Hunger Solutions’ Baltimore City SNAP outreach and enrollment campaign, which works to connect vulnerable populations with federally funded SNAP (food stamp) benefits, a key strategy in reducing food insecurity in Maryland.

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Maryland Regional Direct Services Collaborative

$30,000 / 2022 / Workforce Development

In support of producing and disseminating a report on improving job quality for direct services workers in Baltimore.

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Modern Classrooms Project

$50,000 / 2022 / Education

In support of Modern Classrooms Project’s blended, self-paced, and mastery-based instructional support for 50 Baltimore City teachers.

Learn More

Header photo courtesy of Thread.