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

Maryland Food Bank

$50,000 / 2025 / Health and Human Services

In support of the Food First Capacity Grants and Hunger Hotspot programs in Baltimore City, which support Maryland Food Bank’s partner organizations to better meet the needs of their clients by expanding capacity and targeting resources to underserved communities.

Learn More

Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service

$75,000 / 2025 / Community Development

In support of staff and operating expenses to preserve Black legacy homeownership in Baltimore City. Efforts include resolving tangled title and estate issues, giving access to home repair programs, tax credits, and grants to increase housing sustainability.

Learn More

Rebuilding Together Baltimore Inc.

$80,000 / 2025 / Community Development

In support of general operating funds to address home repair for low-income and disabled adult homeowners in Baltimore City.

Learn More

Safe Exit Initiative

$40,000 / 2025 / Criminal Justice and Addiction

In support of the HARBOR Baltimore Street Outreach & Drop-In Center Program for victims of human trafficking.

Learn More

Sandtown Winchester Community Collective, Fiscally Sponsored by Family Survivor Network

$25,000 / 2025 / Health and Human Services

In support of Sandtown Winchester Community Collective’s (SWCC) general operations.

Learn More

Header photo courtesy of Thread.