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

Baltimore City Foundation, Mayor’s Office of Employment Development

$75,000 / 2019 / Workforce Development

The Mayor’s Office of Employment Development (MOED) operates the sixth largest summer employment program among larger cities, last year employing 7,808 young people between the ages of 14 and 21 for five weeks.  In 2019, MOED expects to employ 8,000 youth, providing employment opportunities at 680 worksites.  Funding from Abell will support 47 YouthWorks positions at nonprofit organization worksites.   

The Annie E. Casey Foundation

$250,000 / 2019 / Community Development

The Annie E. Casey Foundation created a three-year strategy of pooled resources from multiple foundations to strengthen and support inclusive small business development technical assistance providers and Community Development Finance Institution small business lenders in Baltimore City. An annual cohort of six providers will receive staff and consultant support, technology improvements, marketing and fundraising assistance, and reporting system integration to strengthen the pipeline of small businesses qualified for loans in the $50,000 to $250,000 range, particularly focused on entrepreneurs of color.

American Communities Trust, Inc.

$76,000 / 2019 / Community Development

American Communities Trust partners with organizations to create community investment strategies that maximize community benefit and encourage long-¬term partnerships and accountability. The Last Mile Park pilot project will increase public safety through improved lighting and activation of a new public space. This grant provides support for implementation and engineering documents.

Advocates for Children and Youth

$50,000 / 2019 / Health and Human Services

Advocates for Children and Youth (ACY) is an independent organization dedicated to promoting the interests of children and families in Maryland through research, policy development, community outreach, media relations, and government relations.  ACY is one of the leading champions of policies in Maryland that advance the interests of children across a broad range of issues, including education, child welfare, juvenile justice and health care.  This grant supports ACY’s child welfare program, which focuses on the needs of foster and homeless youth in Maryland.   

Downtown Partnership of Baltimore

$40,000 / 2019 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

To support the deployment of security officers at intersections in the Downtown business district to decrease negative interactions between motorists and squeegee kids and adults. The officers interact with the window washers who work at these intersections to determine if they can be connected to traditional work opportunities or services as needed. 

Header photo courtesy of Thread.