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

University of Maryland Medical System Foundation

$49,000 / 2019 / Education

The new simulated Operating Room will enable Surgical Tech (and an additional 100 Nursing Assistant) students at Edmondson to begin applied learning in 10th grade, and be fully prepared for hosptial clinical rotations  in their senior year (rather than January) with completion of required hours/certification testing by high school graduation. It is expected that the Simulation Lab will increase enrollment in the Surgical Tech CTE pathway and that more students will earn the National Surgical Tech certification.

TeamTime, fiscally sponsored by Strong City Baltimore

$50,000 / 2019 / Health and Human Services

Founded in 2013 by a former City Schools Health and Physical Education teacher, TeamTime (formerly known as NEWfit) has rapidly emerged as the largest provider of structured play (recess) and afterschool sports programming for elementary and middle school children in Baltimore City. Last year, their programs served 4,500 elementary and middle school students in 75 Baltimore City Public Schools. This grant will support TeamTime’s programming and the development and implementation of an evaluation plan.  

Tahirih Justice Center

$30,000 / 2019 / Health and Human Services

The Tahirih Justice Center represents immigrant women and girls seeking protection from gender-based human rights abuses, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of gender-based violence.  This grant supports Tahirih’s Baltimore office, which provided legal services to 231 clients and case management support to 71 clients in 2018.  In addition, Tahirih trains and works closely with an extensive network of pro bono attorneys who expand the reach of Tahirih’s small staff.  

Public Justice Center, Inc.

$150,000 / 2019 / Community Development

Public Justice Center is leading a multi-year campaign to advocate for changes in laws and practices that limit tenants’ rights and deny due process to tenants in Baltimore City’s Rent Court.  In a December 2015 report on evictions in Baltimore entitled “Justice Diverted,” PJC documented the high rate of evictions in Baltimore City, where more than one in 17 renter households is evicted each year. This grant supports PJC’s Rent Court Reform and Eviction Prevention Initiative, which employs a combination of litigation, administrative advocacy, and legislative advocacy to advance the rights of tenants in Baltimore.    

PCs for People

$100,000 / 2019 / Community Development

Based in St. Paul, MN, PCs for the People also operates in Cleveland, OH, and Denver, CO, and is expanding to Baltimore. The organization will launch its efforts to increase educational opportunity and achievement, career readiness, and employment by providing low or no-cost refurbished computers, mobile internet access for $25/month, technological training, repair and troubleshooting services to low income residents in Baltimore City. This grant provides support for local launch staffing and related costs.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.