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 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.

Contact Us or Email Us 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

Intersection of Change

$50,000 / 2019 / Community Development

Intersection of Change (IOC) addresses poverty-related issues in West Baltimore. Its Strength to Love II (S2L2) urban farm features 14 high-tunnel greenhouses totaling the 1.5 acres of farm land and a processing building for washing, processing, and refrigerating the produce. Produce is sold to local restaurants and colleges and at local farmers markets. This grant supports costs associated with full time staff salaries and stipends for workforce development program participants and youth interns.

Erin Levitas Foundation

$40,000 / 2019 / Health and Human Services

The mission of the Erin Levitas Foundation is to reduce the incidence of sexual assault and increase support for those who have experienced it. This grant aims to double the number of seventh graders in Baltimore City receiving the Levitas Initiative’s research-based program for sexual assault prevention and to support the staff and evaluation work necessary to ultimately bring the program to scale in Baltimore City and beyond. 

Clergy United for the Transformation of Sandtown

$50,000 / 2019 / Community Development

Clergy United for the Transformation of Sandtown (CUTS) works across faith-based entities to improve the conditions in Sandtown-Winchester. Areas of programmatic focus include: housing, education, job training, youth programs and economic development. This grant supports CUTS’ efforts to secure professionalized staff whose work will focus on developing a sustainable revenue model that is centered around advancing programmatic priorities.

Center for Urban Families, Inc.

$200,000 / 2019 / Workforce Development

The Center for Urban Families (CFUF) is working with Baltimore City Community College (BCCC) to provide STRIVE graduates with better access to non-credit occupational skills training at BCCC.  With funding from the Abell Foundation and the Kresge Foundation, CFUF and BCCC will launch BOOST, an initiative where STRIVE graduates will receive intensive case management as they complete noncredit certification programs in healthcare, transportation, IT, construction and human services at BCCC.

CASA de Maryland, Inc.

$100,000 / 2019 / Workforce Development

The Baltimore Welcome Center provides employment placement services for day laborers and low-income workers who begin to assemble early in the morning in the hope of being selected for jobs in construction, landscaping, home improvement, sanitation, and other day-to-day, physical labor-intensive jobs. In the coming year, CASA plans to place workers in 1,700 daily jobs, 40 temporary/seasonal jobs, and 35 permanent jobs; to provide 150 people with legal consultation on immigration, employment, or housing matters; to provide 500 people with basic financial education/counseling, and 300 low-income households with free tax preparation services; to educate 200 eligible Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs) about the naturalization process, and help 75 LPRs submit their naturalization application; and to provide 60 students with Mi Espacio after-school programming.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.