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

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.

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.

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.

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.

See Our Past Grants

Moveable Feast, Inc.

$50,247 / 2019 / Health and Human Services

Moveable Feast prepares and delivers nutritious meals to individuals who are medically-compromised and have HIV, cancer, and other life-threatening illnesses.  In addition to providing home-delivered meals, Moveable Feast provides meals for drop-in centers and substance use treatment programs, nutritional therapy and medical transportation for clients with specific needs, and operates a culinary arts job training program.  This grant funded the purchase and installation of a new walk-in freezer to expand Moveable Feast’s frozen storage capacity and enable it to serve more clients.  

Charm City Care Connection

$100,000 / 2019 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

Abell Foundation support will allow CCCC to open a daytime Harm Reduction Drop-in Center (HRDC) for people with a substance use disorder to provide a safe space to access needed services and support.  The HRDC will include low barrier and easy to access services, including the following:syringe exchange,fentanyl test strip distribution, naloxone distribution, community meals and case management.

 

Center for Urban Families, Inc.

$350,000 / 2019 / Workforce Development

The mission of the Center for Urban Families (CFUF) is to strengthen urban communities by helping fathers and families achieve stability and economic succes.  STRIVE Baltimore, the cornerstone of CFUF’s programming, emphasizes attitudinal training, job placement, and post-placement support, with a strict, demanding, three-week workshop that focuses on workplace behavior, appearance, and attitude.  Upon completion of training, STRIVE graduates are placed in jobs, and are followed by STRIVE staff for two years.  Last year,180 participants graduated from STRIVE Baltimore, with 93 graduates (or 52%) being placed into jobs; 104 graduates of other CFUF programs and 138 former graduates were also placed into jobs, bringing the total number of job placements to 335. STRIVE graduates placed in employment earned an average of $12.20 per hour, and 74% remained employed for at least six months.

BUILD

$125,000 / 2019 / Workforce Development

Turnaround Tuesdays is a BUILD jobs initiative in which residents meet at Zion Baptist Church on Tuesday mornings from 9 am to 11 am to receive help in finding employment.  Over 125 people participate in Turnaround Tuesdays each week, completing a 10-week leadership training curriculum that focuses the skills needed to sustain employment.  The jobs movement is working:  last year, 202 people were placed into jobs, earning an average wage of $14.50 per hour.   According to BUILD, 74% of those placed have remained employed at least a year.  Retention is higher (84%) at anchor institutions such as Johns Hopkins Medicine and the University of Maryland Medical System.  BUILD is establishing an employment pipeline to “good paying jobs” at these and other long-standing large, anchor institution employers, encouraging them to hire people with criminal records.  

Fair Housing Action Center of Maryland

$25,000 / 2019 / Community Development

Fair Housing Action Center of Maryland is the only fair housing organization in the state.  The organization will target West and East Baltimore communities for delivery of eviction prevention support and outreach materials. This grant provided support for outreach efforts centered around tenants’ rights and responsibilities and landlord education in Baltimore City.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.