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

Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering

$150,000 / 2026 / Community Development

In support of Baltimore Healthcare Innovator Retention fellowships for Johns Hopkins University biomedical engineering graduates to address critical healthcare challenges, accelerate product development and investment, and create local companies and jobs.

Latino Economic Development Center

$41,329 / 2026 / Community Development

In support of the FY26 Small Business Resiliency Cohort in response to impacts of federal ICE enforcement.

Learn more

Maryland Access to Justice Commission, Fiscally Sponsored by Maryland Bar Foundation

$15,000 / 2026 / Health and Human Services

In support of a study of program models that employ non-lawyers to provide basic legal services in civil cases.

Learn more

Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative Education Fund Inc. DBA Health Care for All

$50,000 / 2026 / Health and Human Services

In support of Health Care for All’s general operations.

Learn more

Modern Classrooms Project

$50,000 / 2026 / Education

In support of the continued ramp up of the Modern Classrooms Project pilot in Baltimore, targeting 200 additional classrooms and five pilot schools through the School Transformation model during the 2026-2027 school year.

Learn more

Header photo courtesy of Thread.