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

Southeast Community Development Corporation

$99,623 / 2021 / Workforce Development

In support of providing youth who reside in the McElderry Park and Ellwood Park neighborhoods with paid work opportunities eliminating trash and reducing illegal dumping to create a safer and cleaner environment.

Learn More

Sugar Free Kids Maryland, Fiscally Sponsored by Center for a Healthy Maryland

$75,000 / 2021 / Health and Human Services

In support of Sugar Free Kids Maryland’s community-organizing efforts to help pass an excise tax on sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) – a proven strategy to decrease consumption.

Learn More

The Literacy Lab

$75,000 / 2021 / Education

In support of The Literacy Lab’s expansion of evidence-based, small group, and individualized literacy tutoring to serve over 1,000 students in Pre-K and K-3 classrooms in Baltimore City Public Schools during the 2021-2022 school year.

Learn More

The Maryland Book Bank Inc.

$50,000 / 2021 / Education

In support of the Maryland Book Bank’s plan to equip three evidence-based high-dosage tutoring programs in Baltimore with books matched to each student’s individual reading ability and interest.

Learn More

The SOS Fund, Fiscally Sponsored by Parity Baltimore, Inc.

$35,000 / 2021 / Community Development

In support of staffing costs for the Stop Oppressive Seizures (SOS) Fund’s “Development Without Displacement” initiative, which helps to stabilize housing market conditions by creating multiple pathways for legacy homeowners to stay in their homes.

Learn More

Header photo courtesy of Thread.