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

Public Justice Center, Inc.

$150,000 / 2022 / Community Development

In support of legal services and advocacy to advance tenants’ rights to safe, habitable housing; prevent evictions; and increase housing security. The Public Justice Center provides full legal representation to tenants in court eviction proceedings and policy advocacy to challenge unjust practices that have a systemic impact on Baltimore renters.

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ReBUILD Metro

$80,000 / 2022 / Community Development

In support of staffing costs to support implementation of the Vision Plan for Johnston Square. ReBUILD Metro renovates vacant houses and builds new market-stabilizing affordable housing to create opportunity and wealth for low-income residents, sustaining both small contractor businesses and local construction jobs.

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ReBUILD Metro

$50,000 / 2022 / Community Development

In support of research, analysis, and production of a prospectus for a large-scale financing strategy to tackle Baltimore’s vacant property crisis. ReBUILD Metro will engage partners to generate public and private support for targeted investment in building renovation, reuse, and re-occupancy.

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Springboard Collaborative

$50,000 / 2022 / Education

In support of Springboard Collaborative’s personalized learning program, which aims to serve 3,000 students during two ten-week afterschool sessions in spring of 2022.

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Tahirih Justice Center

$50,000 / 2022 / Health and Human Services

In support of general operations for Tahirih Justice Center, which provides free immigration and family law legal services and social services coordination to survivors of gender-based violence in Greater Baltimore and Maryland.

Learn More

Header photo courtesy of Thread.