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?

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 for a Small Grant?

For first-time or returning applicants with grant requests of $10,000 or less. We accept and review small grant applications on a rolling basis. There is no deadline to apply for a small grant.

Start a Small Grant Application

Ready to Apply for a Regular Grant?

For returning applicants and those who have a verified fit with the Foundation’s priorities for requests greater than $10,000. Regular grant applications are reviewed at one of five Board meetings each year.

Start a Regular Grant Application

Returning to a Saved Application or Submitting a Report?

Log into the grant portal below to return to a saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant. Report forms can be found under the “Requirements” tab.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures (JHTV)

$25,000 / 2020 / Community Development

The Social Innovation Lab incubates mission-driven companies and nonprofits to maximize their potential to become thriving sustainable ventures that contribute to increased opportunity in Baltimore. Through a six-month social venture accelerator program, the competitively selected cohort of up to ten entrepreneurs is provided programming sessions, access to an extensive network of advisors, one-on-one coaching, co-working space, and $1,000 in unrestricted funding. 

Jews United for Justice

$75,000 / 2020 / Community Development

Jews United For Justice (JUFJ) educates and mobilizes its network of over 2,000 members in the Baltimore area to participate in advocacy campaigns on a variety of social justice issues. Building on work JUFJ has done over the past three years to advocate for renters’ rights in Baltimore, this grant will support JUFJ to work with other coalitions and organizations, including the Public Justice Center and Baltimore Renters United, to advocate for strengthening legal protections for renters in Baltimore City.   

I AM MENtality Youth Male Empowerment Project

$20,000 / 2020 / Health and Human Services

I AM MENtality is a mentoring and youth development program for boys and young men in Baltimore City.  This grant supports the I AM MENtality Leadership Development Academy, its community-based program in the Irvington and Liberty Heights neighborhoods, which provides group-based and individual mentoring to youth and their families. 

Healthy Neighborhoods, Inc.

$150,000 / 2020 / Community Development

Healthy Neighborhoods, Inc. (HNI) is a citywide initiative that promotes investment in “middle Neighborhoods” through resident engagement, a focus on promoting neighborhood assets, and investment in housing stock.  HNI serves 49 neighborhoods across the City. This grant provided support for core program activities and expansion to other neighborhoods.

Springboard Community Services

$60,000 / 2020 / Health and Human Services

Springboard Community Services provides mental health and case management services to families and youth throughout Central Maryland who have been impacted by trauma.  This grant provides capital support for the creation of a new youth resource center in Springboard’s main office building in Baltimore City.  

Header photo courtesy of Thread.