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

Thread, Inc.

$300,000 / 2021 / Education

In support of general operations for Thread, a community that is committed to ending social isolation and creating a new social fabric of diverse individuals deeply engaged with young people facing the most significant opportunity and achievement gaps.

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TurnAround, Inc.

$64,000 / 2021 / Health and Human Services

In support of providing comprehensive, trauma-informed services for survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual violence and human trafficking in Baltimore City.

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University System of Maryland Foundation

$136,400 / 2021 / Education

In support of the Nurturing Excellence for Undergraduate Success (NEXUS) research project, which analyzes City Schools students currently in the USM pipeline and identifies graduation barriers and intervention opportunities for students at the greatest risk of dropping out.

Up2Us Sports

$28,000 / 2021 / Health and Human Services

In support of placing Up2Us AmeriCorps Coaches in Baltimore City Recreation Centers to provide expanded youth sports and fitness programming.

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Urban Teachers

$125,000 / 2021 / Education

In support of general operations for Urban Teachers, a rigorous four-year teacher recruitment and training model that features a 14-month clinical teacher residency. In 2022, Urban Teachers will support 364 residents and teachers.

Learn More

Header photo courtesy of Thread.