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 your saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Baltimore Police Department

$80,000 / 2021 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

Funding from the Abell Foundation will support the Baltimore Police Department’s efforts to send eight BPD leaders to the Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP). SMIP is a program of the Police Executive Leadership Forum (PERF) that provides police executives with intensive training in the latest management concepts and practices used in business and government. It is designed for mid-upper level police executives who will ultimately serve in leading roles in their police agencies.

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Baltimore Corps

$78,000 / 2021 / Education

The Baltimore Corps Mayoral Fellowship Program provides fifteen undergraduate seniors and graduate students a ten-week, full time, internship in high priority City Hall offices/agencies, working on Executive-level projects under key directors. In addition to their work assignments, participants attend weekly luncheons with pertinent speakers, do community service projects, and enjoy planned social events around the City. The ultimate goal of the Mayoral Fellowship is to encourage talented individuals, with an interest in public service to seek permanent positions within City government.

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Baltimore Civic Fund

$100,000 / 2021 / Community Development

Disparities in digital access limit opportunities for Baltimore individuals and families who are not engaged in the digital economy. Without access to reliable affordable internet service, their ability to access education, unemployment benefits, apply for job opportunities, or health care services is diminished. City’s Director of Broadband and Digital Equity will serve as mayor’s primary representative for coordination with internal and external stakeholders focused on these issues while ensuring approaches expand public access. This grant will support expenses associated with this newly created staff position.

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Baltimore City Office of Sustainability, Fiscally Sponsored by Baltimore Civic Fund

$57,684 / 2021 / Environment

Climate change already affects communities, from worsening asthma and other respiratory problems to spurring heat waves and other extreme weather. Disadvantaged and marginalized communities bear a disproportionate burden of climate change impacts. Recognizing this, Baltimore City will undertake an Update to the Climate Action Plan (CAP), first completed in 2012. Abell funding will be used for the design and implementation of an equitable community engagement strategy for the CAP Update.

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AZIZA PE&CE, Fiscally Sponsored by Elijah’s Blessing Community Service Center, Inc.

$25,000 / 2021 / Health and Human Services

AZIZA PE&CE is a community-based, youth development program for students 15-24 years old. AZIZA PE&CE uses art, music, fashion, and fitness to guide students through a process of social-emotional growth. It serves female students who demonstrate behavioral issues at school, and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning (LCBTQ) youth. This grant provides general operating support.

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Header photo courtesy of Thread.