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

Jews United for Justice

$30,000 / 2018 / Community Development

JUFJ will continue to work with the Public Justice Center to monitor the new licensing and inspection requirements for all rental units in Baltimore City to ensure effective implementation, pursue changes to Rent Court processes that provide greater tenant defenses, and advocate for legislative changes to better protect tenants.

Healthy Neighborhoods, Inc.

$150,000 / 2018 / 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 41 neighborhoods across the City. This grant provided support for core program activities and expansion to other neighborhoods.

Environmental Integrity Project

$50,000 / 2018 / Environment

Environmental Integrity Project (EIP) advocates for effective enforcement of environmental laws to hold polluters accountable and engages in permitting, regulatory and enforcement proceedings to reduce pollution and improve public health. Through their Baltimore Environmental Justice Campaign, the organization conducts data analysis, produces technical memoranda, creates legal strategies and builds community partnerships to reduce disparate impacts of toxic air pollution on low-income communities. 

Environmental Defense Fund

$15,000 / 2018 / 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 extremely 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.

CASA de Maryland, Inc.

$100,000 / 2018 / Workforce Development

The Baltimore Welcome Center provides employment placement services for day laborers and low-income workers who begin to assemble early in the morning in the hope of being selected for jobs in construction, landscaping, home improvement, sanitation, and other day-to-day, physical labor-intensive jobs. In the coming year, CASA plans to place workers in 1,700 daily jobs, 40 temporary/seasonal jobs, and 35 permanent jobs; to provide 150 people with legal consultation on immigration, employment, or housing matters; to provide 500 people with basic financial education/counseling, and 300 low-income households with free tax preparation services; yo educate 200 eligible Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs) about the naturalization process, and help 75 LPRs submit their naturalization application; and to provide 60 students with Mi Espacio after-school programming.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.