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 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 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 your saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

Latino Economic Development Center

$45,000 / 2020 / Community Development

Latino Economic Development Center offers access to business resources and capital to meet the needs of under served communities and communities of color in Baltimore. Their small business coaches provide one-on-one technical assistance and workshops/courses related to business planning, financial management, incorporation, licensing and permitting, accounting, marketing and technology integration. Lending staff are trained to provide micro-loans ranging from $500 to $50,000 and larger loans up to $250,000.

Kids in Need of Defense

$30,000 / 2020 / Health and Human Services

Founded in 2008, KIND is the only national organization dedicated solely to providing pro bono legal representation to unaccompanied immigrant and refugee children in immigration court.  KIND has in-house legal professionals and also leverages pro bono legal professionals to represent more than 500 unaccompanied children a year.  KIND’s Baltimore Field Office is able to gain U.S. protection for 95% of clients for whom it completes legal proceedings.  This grant supported KIND Baltimore in hiring a second social services coordinator to help ensure clients’ non-legal needs are being met, including: crisis management; health and mental health’ educational support; safe housing; and food security.   

Job Opportunities Task Force

$50,000 / 2020 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

The Job Opportunities Task Force (JOTF) works to develop and advocate policies and programs to increase the skills, job opportunities, and incomes of low-skill, low-income Maryland workers and to dismantle the criminalization of poverty.  Funding from the Abell Foundation will support JOTF’s management of a Community Bail Fund to release individuals being held on an unaffordable bail from the Baltimore City Detention Center and to ensure their appearance for court. In addition, JOTF case managers will provide supportive services to assist clients with successful reentry.   

Intercultural Counseling Connection / Fusion Partnerships

$25,000 / 2020 / Health and Human Services

Intercultural Counseling Connection provides therapeutic services for asylum-seekers and forced migrants in Baltimore through a pro-bono referral network of mental health professionals, as well as high quality interpretation in any language.  Its clients are from over 30 different countries and have experienced extreme violence, including torture.  Intercultural Counseling Connection serves about 100 clients a year in individual and group therapy.  This grant is for general operating support.  

Initiative for a Competitive Inner City Inc. (ICIC)

$30,000 / 2020 / Community Development

ICIC will offer its entrepreneur training program, Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC), to Baltimore businesses. The business technical assistance program started in 2005 to help urban entrepreneurs better position themselves to access capital, increase revenues, grow their businesses and create jobs. The program specifically targets companies located in low to moderate income areas, especially companies owned by people of color and by women, and they also accept businesses that draw 40 percent of their employment from low to moderate income communities. 

Header photo courtesy of Thread.