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

Southeast Community Development Corporation

$40,000 / 2025 / Community Development

In support of client assistance funds paired with case management to prevent eviction and increase family stability among households with children in Southeast’s Community Schools, particularly immigrant households.

Learn More

Tahirih Justice Center

$50,000 / 2025 / Health and Human Services

In support of Tahirih Justice Center’s general operations.

Learn More

UNITE HERE Mid Atlantic Training and Scholarship Fund

$50,000 / 2025 / Workforce Development

In support of training 50 Baltimore job seekers in culinary, housekeeping, cashier and server occupations, placing at least 80% into union positions paying an hourly wage of at least $18 per hour.

Learn More

University of Baltimore Foundation

$50,000 / 2025 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

In support of general operations for the Center for Criminal Justice Reform, a trusted intermediary and policy partner advancing community-led efforts to reform Maryland’s criminal justice policies and practices.

Learn More

University of Maryland, Baltimore

$35,000 / 2025 / Health and Human Services

In support of salary supplements for essential staff at the University of Maryland’s Pediatric Dental Clinic for uninsured children.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.