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

Submit an Application

Considering Applying?

First-time applicants with grant requests greater than $10,000 should reach out to an Abell staff member to discuss their idea or submit a short letter of inquiry prior to submitting a regular grant application.

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.

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.

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.

See Our Past Grants

St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore, Inc.

$50,000 / 2020 / Health and Human Services

The Beans & Bread Center, a St. Vincent de Paul program, provides a wide range of services on-site that address the needs of the chronically homeless, including housing, health care, recovery, and employment. This grant supported the Beans & Bread homeless day resource in providing a day shelter, intake and engagement, case management, meals, hygiene supplies, showers, laundry, assistance securing personal identification, and access to phones and mail services. The center operates seven days a week and serves more than 400 meals a day. 

Soccer Without Borders Baltimore

$25,000 / 2020 / Health and Human Services

Soccer Without Borders provides year-round soccer and academic support programs for refugee, asylum-seekers, and immigrant youth. Soccer Without Borders provides a safe and supportive environment for youth, as well as English language development, through its soccer teams. This grant supported the high school program for 70 youth in Baltimore City. 

Scholars Strategy Network

$11,833 / 2020 / Community Development

The Scholars Strategy Network (SSN) was created to channel the expertise of America’s top scholars to help solve the nation’s toughest policy problem. Now including 1,500 scholars in 270 universities in 48 states, SSN is poised to launch a Baltimore chapter. This grant will support SSN’s effort to organize and convene local Baltimore scholars, particularly at UMBC and Morgan State University, and connect them with training and resources to engage more effectively in local policy efforts.  

Rose Street Community Center

$50,000 / 2020 / Workforce Development

The Rose Street Community Center, with support from the Abell Foundation, serves over 120 people per week, providing transitional housing for over 20 people a week.   Funding of up to $50,000 will provide rental assistance to Baltimore City crime victims over a period of two years. 

ReBuild Metro

$75,000 / 2020 / Community Development

For over a decade, Rebuild Metro (formerly TRF Development Partners) has been building market stabilizing affordable housing in East Baltimore to create opportunity and wealth for low-income residents. The organization renovates vacant houses and builds new product for rent and for sale through their partnership with BUILD and local churches, sustaining both local construction jobs and small contractor businesses. Abell grant funding will be used to complement city and private funds toward implementation of the Vision Plan for Johnston Square.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.