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

Jews United for Justice

$75,000 / 2020 / Community Development

Jews United For Justice (JUFJ) educates and mobilizes its network of over 2,000 members in the Baltimore area to participate in advocacy campaigns on a variety of social justice issues. Building on work JUFJ has done over the past three years to advocate for renters’ rights in Baltimore, this grant will support JUFJ to work with other coalitions and organizations, including the Public Justice Center and Baltimore Renters United, to advocate for strengthening legal protections for renters in Baltimore City.   

I AM MENtality Youth Male Empowerment Project

$20,000 / 2020 / Health and Human Services

I AM MENtality is a mentoring and youth development program for boys and young men in Baltimore City.  This grant supports the I AM MENtality Leadership Development Academy, its community-based program in the Irvington and Liberty Heights neighborhoods, which provides group-based and individual mentoring to youth and their families. 

Healthy Neighborhoods, Inc.

$150,000 / 2020 / Community Development

Healthy Neighborhoods, Inc. (HNI) is a citywide initiative that promotes investment in “middle Neighborhoods” through resident engagement, a focus on promoting neighborhood assets, and investment in housing stock.  HNI serves 49 neighborhoods across the City. This grant provided support for core program activities and expansion to other neighborhoods.

Springboard Community Services

$60,000 / 2020 / Health and Human Services

Springboard Community Services provides mental health and case management services to families and youth throughout Central Maryland who have been impacted by trauma.  This grant provides capital support for the creation of a new youth resource center in Springboard’s main office building in Baltimore City.  

Environmental Defense Fund

$17,500 / 2020 / Environment

Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) works with the Port of Baltimore, one of the City’s largest and most concentrated sources of emissions, to reduce air pollution associated with freight and cargo transportation. EDF’s capable science and policy staff bring data analysis and evaluation skills, environmental information sharing, and best practice emissions reduction and clean energy implementation from their work with ports across the country.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.